Information & Support
The NKFM is here for you, no matter your location. Questions about kidney disease, transplantation, or patient services can be emailed to patientservices@nkfm.org or call 800-482-1455 ext. 2570.
The NKFM has a call-line where people with kidney disease and their family members can talk to knowledgeable individuals about living with kidney disease. They will answer your questions and help find additional information. The NKFM takes thousands of calls each year from people touched by kidney disease. Call us at 800-482-1455 ext. 2570 today or email patientservices@nkfm.org to talk and get more information!
Need help finding resources? The NKFM’s Resource Navigators can connect individuals with community organizations that could help them access resources. Examples include but are not limited to applying for Medicaid health insurance, accessing healthy food, transportation assistance, utility bill assistance, and more. To speak with a Navigator, call 800.482.1455 ext. 3257 or email navigator@nkfm.org
Patient Services
Identification Tags- Paused
We are currently not taking applications while we look for a new engraving vendor. If you submitted an application but have not received your ID tag, or if you would like to be sent an application once we resume the program, please email patientservices@nkfm.org.
Bob Meyer Emergency Fund
The Emergency Fund provides a one-time help of up to $200 for the urgent needs of people with kidney disease. Payments are made directly to vendors for uses such as transportation to dialysis, utility bills, food, and prescriptions. Contact your social worker to fill out the application.
Scholarships
The Swartz/Ferriter Scholarship program awards monetary scholarships to individuals who are on dialysis or who have received a kidney transplant.
Meet Erin Turner
When Erin Turner was adopted from China as an infant, her family learned she had been born with only one underdeveloped kidney. Diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at just 11 months old, Erin grew up under the careful watch of her mom, a nurse at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, who encouraged healthy habits early on.
“She was on me a lot growing up—always reminding me to drink my water and watch my protein intake,” Erin recalls. Despite her diagnosis, Erin led an active life, participating in gymnastics throughout her childhood and teenage years.
In January 2022, Erin received a life-changing kidney transplant, never having to undergo dialysis. Just a year later, as a high school senior applying to colleges, Erin learned about the Richard D. Swartz/Maurie Ferriter Scholarship through a social worker at her kidney clinic. She applied and was thrilled to be selected.
Patient Education
We know that managing life with kidney disease can be challenging. With the right tools and resources, you can live well and do the things that are important to you. Here are some additional programs and resources to help you:
- The Big Ask, The Big Give: Finding a Living Donor
- Cooking Matters at the Store for Chronic Kidney Disease
- Kidney PATH
- Kidney-Friendly Nutrition Resources
Kids Camp
- Adventure awaits! Children ages 8-16 years old living with chronic kidney disease are invited to join the NKFM’s annual summer camp program. We are proud of our ability to provide campers the physical and emotional benefits of camping within a medically-supervised outdoor environment. Learn more.
Peer Mentoring & Support Group
- You’re not alone! Talk to someone who’s been there. Speak with a trained peer mentor who can share their experiences about dialysis, transplant, or living kidney donation with you. Read more.
- The NKFM offers a semi-monthly virtual support group for individuals living with kidney disease. The group is open to anyone in any stage of kidney disease or with a kidney transplant, and their care partners. Read more
NKF Online Communities
- NKF communities offer a safe and supportive place where patients and caregivers can share experiences, ask questions and get answers related to kidney health, kidney disease, transplantation and living organ donation. Participation is free and anonymous. Read more.