A Word from the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Samuel H. Rogers, Jr., CF       Jeffrey D. Neff
          Chariman                    CEO

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is approaching epidemic proportions. An astonishing 1 in 9 Americans, more than 26 million people, are estimated to be living with CKD, including more than 850,000 Arizonans. Of the 1,925 Arizonans waiting for an organ transplant, 1,350 are waiting for a kidney.

For the past 47 years, the Arizona Kidney Foundation has been a major advocate for organ donation and has provided critical support for Arizona’s dialysis patients and transplant recipients suffering from kidney disease. In this very difficult economic environment, AKF received more requests for basic human services like food, housing, medication and transportation than ever before. With your help, support and contributions, AKF awarded more than $600,000 in direct assistance to kidney patients in critical financial need. By meeting these basic needs, AKF enables patients to adhere to treatment plans, derive greater benefit from dialysis and, if eligible, receive and maintain a healthy kidney transplant.

The early stages of CKD are typically without symptoms and more than 90% of those with kidney disease are not aware of the problem. AKF has reached out to our community to provide education about good kidney health. Our redesigned interactive website at www.azkidney.org is a resource that provides quick and easy answers to questions about CKD. AKF also offers free public kidney health screenings and launched the kidney health initiative, “Know Your GFR – Ask Your Doctor Today.”

In this economic time of increased need and escalating costs, the Arizona Kidney Foundation is unwavering in the commitment to our patient, public and professional communities in Arizona. We are grateful for the outstanding and generous support that you continue to provide which allows us to work to improve the quality of life for all Arizonans.