Around 12 of those people die every day waiting for a kidney transplant. But hope is on the horizon. Scientists are testing pig kidney transplants in humans, also known as xenotransplantation.  Early clinical trials are already underway. But how does it work? Is it safe? And who might benefit first? We spoke with two leading experts to answer the most important questions this Donate Life Month. What Is a Pig Kidney Xenotransplant? Xenotransplantation is the process of transpl

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.,-- April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 34 Lives, PBC, https://34lives.com/  announces that on March 29, 2026, the 34 Lives perfusion team rescued its 500th kidney which was subsequently transplanted by Dr. Jose Figueiro at Medstar Georgetown Transplant Institute. To date, Dr. Figueiro has transplanted over 90 kidneys in partnership with 34 Lives. He explains his passion for the work: "This has been a phenomenal journey—I have performed organ transplants for 30

The 13th Annual Kidney Patient Summit: Raise Your Voice is a wrap, and the numbers tell the story. On March 16 and 17, more than 100 kidney patients, caregivers, and advocates gathered in Washington for Kidney Patient Summit 2026—but the reach of this year's summit extended far beyond the Capitol. While our in-person advocates walked the halls of Congress, 650 virtual advocates at home sent over 2,300 messages to Congress through NKF's Action Alert , amplifying every in-perso

The National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana (NKFL) is revolutionizing the fight to save lives by eliminating preventable kidney disease, accelerating innovation for the dignity of the patient experience, and dismantling structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation. The National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana provides vital patient and community services, conducts extensive public and professional education, supports local medical research, and advocates

End this Kidney Month with fresh spring recipes that your kidneys will love. These dishes feature fruits and vegetables like carrots, berries, avocados, sweet potatoes, and apples. From smoothies to salads and plant-based meals, they’re easy ways to add color and flavor to your table this season. 1. Power Golden Smoothie This creamy smoothie is bursting with bright, wholesome ingredients to help kick-start your morning. Serving size: 1 1/4 cup Ingredients 2¼ cups chopped or

Here’s what every kidney transplant recipient and care partner should know about anti-rejection medications and how to advocate for better care. What Are Anti-Rejection Medications and Why Are They So Important? The immune system protects the body by identifying what belongs and what doesn’t.   “A transplanted kidney is considered non-self,” said Transplant Nurse Practitioner Nicole McCormick.  “Anti-rejection medications, also called immunosuppressants, help ‘hide’ the trans

In 2025, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) made meaningful progress towards our goal of KIDNEY EQUITY FOR ALL™. Across research, policy, innovation, and community partnerships, here’s how NKF worked to build a kidney health system that is better for everyone. Key Takeaways Early diagnosis is improving: NKF helped thousands of people get diagnosed through expanded kidney testing programs—many before symptoms began. Access to care is growing: NKF's bilingual education, hom

Your kidneys work hard every day to filter waste, balance fluids, and help control blood pressure. National Kidney Month is a great time to thank them. Here are 8 simple, science-backed tips you can take to protect your kidneys for years to come.  1. Know Your Kidney Numbers Early Understanding your kidney health starts with getting the right tests:  Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR):  a blood test that shows how well the kidneys filter waste.  Urine albumin-creatin

With decades of kidney care advocacy under his belt, Sidney The Kidney is preparing for a well-earned retirement. After years of supporting the kidney community with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), he’s ready to pass the torch to the next generation. Now, his younger cousin, Kenny The Kidney, is stepping up as NKF’s new Chief Kidney Officer.  Passing the Baton We sat down with Kenny The Kidney to learn more about his journey, his connection to the kidney community, and

Chronic kidney disease is often silent, so millions of Americans don't know they have it. Advocates are urging Medicare to strengthen quality measures that promote routine kidney screening using simple blood and urine tests. Earlier detection could help people start treatment sooner and prevent kidney failure. The Role of the Coalition for Kidney Health Kidney disease often develops silently over many years, even in people who regularly see a doctor for conditions like high b

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 10, 2026 BATON ROUGE, LA — The National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana (NKFL) is urging Louisiana’s Congressional delegation to support and co-sponsor critical bipartisan legislation that would strengthen kidney care, expand access to lifesaving organ transplantation, and improve long-term outcomes for patients while protecting Medicare sustainability. The legislation includes the Living Donor Protection Act (S. 1552/ H.R. 4582 & 4583) and the

National Kidney Foundation (NKF) submitted comments on proposed 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D changes that could affect people with chronic kidney disease, ESRD, and kidney transplants. Key issues include prescription drug affordability, quality ratings, plan flexibility, and protecting access to dialysis and transplant care. Learn what these updates could mean for kidney patients and their families. Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Medicare Advantage and Medicare

This new blog series is authored by physicians and researchers committed to improving kidney health through evidence-based care, collaboration, and early detection. We aim to bridge the gap between research, guidelines, real-world practice, examining what we know, and how care is delivered to patients. References and resources are provided in the hyperlinks. By Joseph Vassalotti, Chief Medical Officer, National Kidney Foundation After the Super Bowl LX television commercial

On February 3, 2026, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 into law, bringing with it three major victories for pediatric kidney patients. After more than a year of hard work and advocacy, the Give Kids a Chance Act, the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act, and the Honor Our Living Donors (HOLD) Act are officially the law of the land. There’s a lot to celebrate for children with kidney disease and the families who love them. These three new bill

Transportation is a barrier for many people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) who depend on in-center hemodialysis. The EnROUTE Study shines a powerful spotlight on this issue. The EnROUTE Study Many people receiving in-center hemodialysis don’t have reliable transportation.  The EnROUTE Study looked at 115,982 adults on in-center hemodialysis across the United States to see how this affects their care.  How Patient Voices Shaped the Study Researchers behind the EnROUTE S

Curious about living kidney donation but not sure what it takes to become a donor? This guide explains the basic requirements and what transplant teams look for. But remember, every situation is different. The only way to know for sure is through a living kidney donor evaluation. Basic Requirements for Living Donors Every transplant center has its own requirements for kidney donors. However, a person usually needs to meet the following criteria: Age:  The minimum is 18, altho

On Wednesday, January 8, 2026, the House Energy & Commerce Committee held a hearing on 10 bills aimed at improving Medicare payment policies and patient access. None are kidney-specific—but that doesn’t mean they won’t affect you. Here ’s what’s on the table and why it matters for the kidney community. H.R. 6361: Stopping AI from Denying Your Care What it does: The “Ban AI Denials in Medicare Act” would prohibit Medicare from using artificial intelligence algorithms to deny

On January 20, 2026, lawmakers released a final bipartisan FY2026 Labor, Health and Human Services (LHHS) appropriations bill as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 . This bill represents major victories for individuals with kidney disease, transplant patients, and living donors—proof that collective advocacy works when voices come together. Here’s what this funding package means for the kidney community. Historic Investment in Kidney Disease Research (NIDDK) Th

In 2025, the FDA approved several new medications for kidney disease that target specific causes of kidney damage and may help slow disease progression and protect kidney function. Not every medicine is right for every type of kidney disease, but these approvals offer new hope for many patients. Speak with your healthcare provider to learn if any are right for you. Ozempic for Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease Ozempic (semaglutide) was first approved to treat type 2

Start the year off right with flavorful, kidney-friendly recipes that make healthy eating easy. Cook alongside Registered Dietitian Melanie Betz and discover new favorites for 2026. 3 Kidney-Friendly Recipes with Video Demonstrations A new year means new opportunities to nourish your body and feel your best. Whether you’re planning a cozy meal at home or looking for healthy inspiration, these three recipes—guided by Registered Dietitian Melanie Betz—bring delicious flavor and