Kidney-Healthy Kids a Major Focus for the National Kidney
Foundation of Illinois
Chicago – August 2023 – The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) tirelessly serves to assist and educate families with children and teenagers who are facing kidney disease. Chronic Kidney Disease is uncommon in children, but statistics show that more than 9,800 children and adolescents in the United States have kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and rely on life-saving dialysis or a kidney transplant. NKFI has two major programs that offer families help, its annual Kidney Camp and its Living with Kidney Disease and Transplantation event for families coming up on Sunday, September 10 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Museum of Science and Industry.
“We at NKFI are committed to empowering young people through the day-to-day challenges of living with kidney disease, educating them about their bodies, and providing them with as normal a routine as possible,” said Jacqueline Burgess-Bishop, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. “We just wrapped up our Kidney Camp in July where we were able to take 18 youth for a fun getaway with other campers. Now, we’re looking forward to our special day for young patients and their families.”
NKFI’s Living with Kidney Disease and Transplantation: Families is a free event focused on empowering attendees and helping young patients live healthy, fun-filled lives. Children, teens, their families, and caregivers will have the opportunity to meet with physicians, dietitians, nephrologists, and other relevant healthcare professionals. Educational topics may cover any of the following areas:
Information about new medicine
Managing a kidney transplant
Emotional support and family wellness
Dialysis options
Breakthroughs in technology
Healthy snacks and nutrition
Breakfast, lunch and parking will be provided, Following the event, families who attend the full program will have access to the Museum of Science & Industry. To register, visit Kids & Teens Living with CKD | National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (nkfi.org).
About the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois improves the health and well-being of individuals at risk for or affected by kidney disease through prevention, education and empowerment. To learn more about the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois and its programs, please visit www.nkfi.org.