The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI), a major voluntary health organization, seeks to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation. The red "thread of life" element woven throughout this website visually depicts the connections that the NKFI continues to provide for patients, families, transplant recipients, healthcare professionals, Illinois communities and organizations.

Learn more about the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois

For more information: kidney@nkfi.org

215 West Illinois, Suite 1C
Chicago, IL 60610
PHONE:(312) 321-1500
FAX:(312) 321-1505

The NKFI supports professionals with its Scientific Advisory Board (formerly the Medical Advisory Board) for nephrologists, professional council groups, continuing education for primary care providers and funding for medical research.

The NKFI educates and serves dialysis patients, transplant recipients and those individuals in the early stages of chronic kidney disease. Special programs are also available for kids with kidney disease.

The NKFI is a grateful recipient of the financial support of individuals, corporations and foundations. Your gift of money or time helps us continue and extend our vital work.

Healthcare Professionals Patients & Families Giving to NKFI

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FREE SCREENINGS!

The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois offers FREE comprehensive screenings for kidney disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes through the KidneyMobile. For a complete list of screening locations and dates, please visit www.kidneymobile.org.
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Here's What People Are Saying about Recent NKFI Events

Controversies in Nephrology - Debating the Issues
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Maggiano's
Chicago, Illinois

At this year's Controversies in Nephrology the debate topics were: "The current UNOS deceased donor allocation policy should be revised to increase the "net lifetime survival benefit" and "Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy should be used rather than intermittent hemodialysis in acute kidney injury." Teams from the University of Chicago, Rush University, Northwestern University and Loyola University debated both the pros and cons of each topic. The winner of the first debate was Rush Univiersity with the University of Chicago coming in second. And the winner of the second debate was Loyola University with Northwestern University placing second. Congratulations to all involved!

Attendees found the evening "...interesting...thought provoking" and "...a most diverse group of doctors and very well attended".

"Great format! I look forward to the next debate. I love that you included the four schools - created real heart!"

"Excellent concept for information, great experience for Fellows"

For information on the topics discussed or on next year's event, please contact Diane Hollingsworth at 312.321.1500 x226 or via email to dhollingsworth@nkfi.org

Living With Transplantation
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Marriott Oak Brook
Oak Brook, Illinois

"Just wanted to say that you did a great job with the meeting last Saturday.  The main speakers were informative, the main room worked well for the exhibitors and lunch and the breakout sessions were close and had enough room.  I know it takes alot of work but I noticed a lot of people were very pleased.   Great job."

"My husband and I attended this as our first Transplantation Day. I want to tell you I was so impressed with the whole day! You and your staff obviously put in a lot of work to get this accomplished. Thank you so much!"

"Thank you for a truly great series of presentations at this year's conference. I received my living donor kidney in Dec. 2006, but could not attend last year's program due to a scheduling conflict. I thoroughly enjoyed the program offerings I attended: Healthy Lifestyles, Immunosuppressant, and Kelly's " The Climb of My Life". I witnessed a lot of tears during Kelly's presentation. By the way, I also thoroughly enjoyed meeting and talking with people at my assigned table. I think some friendships were made there yesterday. Once again, my heartfelt thanks for all you have done for me and for all of us "transplant-ees" in putting together tremendous programs"

For information on other transplant and organ donor awareness programs, please contact Mary Schlereth at 312.321.1500 x246 or via email to mschlereth@nkfi.org.

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Upcoming Events & Programs

Living Kidney Donation: Is it an option for you?
Saturday, May 17, 2008 - 9am - 12pm
Marriott Midway
6520 South Cicero Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
FREE PARKING!

Dialysis patients on the transplant waiting list and those considering donating a kidney are encouraged to attend this education breakfast on living kidney donation. For more information, please contact Mary Schlereth at 312.321.1500 x246 or via email to mschlereth@nkfi.org. Or click here to download the invitation or flyer.

2008 Gift of Life Walk
Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 9am Registration; 10:30am Walk Start
Soldier Field Great Lawn
Chicago, Illinois

Help us set another record with the 2008 Gift of Life Walk sponsored by Baxter and Trader Joe's! Last year more than 1,200 participants joined the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois in support of kidney disease and diabetes awareness and prevention, organ donation education and early detection programs. To register and raise funds online, go to www.firstgiving.com/nkfi. Or for more information on this FREE event, click here!

Kidney Camp
Sunday, July 6 - Friday, July 11
YMCA Camp Duncan
Ingleside, Illinois

For one week, children ages 7-15 with chronic kidney disease, on dialysis or living with kidney transplants can experience the freedom, fun and independence of a traditional summer camp - free of charge! Learn more by clicking here.

4th Annual Middle Market Open™ Golf Tournament
Monday, July 28, 2008
Olympia Fields Country Club
Olympia Fields, Illinois

Don't miss your chance to participate in what has quickly become the premier charity golf event of the Chicago financial community! For all the details and to register on line, go to www.middlemarketopen.com.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Grant Park
Chicago, Illinois

For the first time, the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois plans to participate in the 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon as an Associated Charity. But we need your help! Please click here for more information.

Preparing for Transplantation
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Marriott Midway
Chicago, Illinois

An educational program for individuals interested in kidney, pancreas, liver, heart or lung transplantation. Topics typically include information regarding financial and insurance considerations, the transplant waiting list, life after transplant and a patient panel/question and answer session. For more information, please contact Mary Schlereth at 312.321.1500 x246 or via email to mschlereth@nkfi.org.

Springfield Patient Education Day
October, 2008
Memorial Medical Center - Wedeberg Conference Center
Springfield, Illinois

This educational program offers information for individuals living in central Illinois who are considering transplantation as a treatment option for kidney failure. Several health professionals will cover topics such as "Is Kidney Transplantation Right For Me?", the organ donor waiting list, the role of the organ procurement organization, and living donation. For more information, please contact Mary Schlereth at 312.321.1500 x246 or via email to mschlereth@nkfi.org.

"Lifetime of Service" Award
Fall, 2008 - 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Location TBD

From time to time, the NKFI honors physicians and other healthcare professionals who work in the fields of nephrology and transplantation and who have made significant contributions to their profession over the course of their careers. Past "Lifetime of Service" Award honorees have included Norman Simon, MD, Marshall Lindheimer, MD, Adrian Katz, MD, Jessie Hano, MD, Todd Ing, MD, and Frank Stuart, MD. For more information, please contact Kate O'Connor at 312.321.1500 x228 or via email to koconnor@nkfi.org.

23rd Annual Gift of Life Gala
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

The Gift of Life Gala is always a wonderful opportunity to join a unique party that connects the worlds of kidney disease, diabetes, organ donation, and transplantation. Past recipients of the “Gift of Life” award include former Secretary of State George M. Ryan, news anchor and film producer Bill Kurtis, Baxter Healthcare, the Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, Abbott and Secretary of State Jesse White.  25% of gala proceeds go directly to fund important research in Illinois. Celebrate with our partners who help us lead the way! For more information, please contact Katherine Woerner at 312-321-1500 x238 or via email to kwoerner@nkfi.org.

Multi-Disciplinary Clinical Conference
November, 2008 - 8:30am - 3:00pm
Location TBD

The purpose of the Multi-Disciplinary Clinical Conference is to provide renal professionals, mainly nurses, dietitians, social workers and technicians, with the opportunity to network with others and to attend a variety of comprehensive workshops, which focus on the challenging and ever-changing arena of caring for kidney patients. For more information, please contact Diane Hollingsworth at 312.321.1500 x226 or via email to koconnor@nkfi.org.

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Connections - The official newsletter of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois

The Fall/Winter 2007 issue of Connection is off the press! Please click here for a PDF of the newsletter. Or to request a hard copy, please call the NKFI office at 312-321-1500.
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