National Kidney Foundation Serving Connecticut

11/17/2025

We want to hear from YOU! Share your story on social media to help raise . Whether you are a kidney patient, family member or friend of a kidney patient, kidney donor, or a professional working with kidney patients – tell us about your experiences.

Everyone’s kidney connection is unique, but we are all in this diverse together, so let’s embrace one another’s journey. Leave a comment below, or DM us, if you're interested and we’ll help you get started!

10/20/2025

💬 “Most people don’t realize they have kidney disease — and that’s exactly why I walk.”

Born with a rare condition called unilateral renal agenesis, meaning she has only one kidney, has turned her story into a mission for awareness and advocacy.

As a Kidney Coach through the American Kidney Fund and varsity coxswain for Row New York’s Men’s Varsity Team, Anya embodies strength, leadership, and purpose. Her journey has inspired a lifelong passion for kidney health — and a dream to one day become a nephrologist, helping others navigate what she’s lived herself.

🧡 This Kidney Walk season, Anya reminds us that kidney disease can go undetected until it’s too late, and that awareness and early detection truly save lives.

Join Anya — and thousands of others — as we walk for education, research, and hope at the NYC Kidney Walk. Together, we’re stepping toward a healthier future. Kidneywalk.org/NYC🧡

10/13/2025

10/10/2025

Medical professionals are invited to join the National Kidney Foundation for a special Renal Roundtable Dinner Lecture focused on the current and future treatment of IgA Nephropathy. The program will be led by Gerald B. Appel, MD, Co-Director of Clinical Nephrology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, and Director of the Glomerular Kidney Disease Center at Columbia.
IgA Nephropathy remains one of the most common causes of kidney disease worldwide, and treatment strategies continue to evolve. With the release of the new KDIGO guidelines, treatment goals and recommendations for patient management have shifted significantly. This lecture will provide an in-depth look at these updates while also highlighting emerging therapies that may change the standard of care in the future.
The event will take place on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at The Inn at Middletown, 70 Main Street, Middletown, CT. A complimentary dinner will be provided, but advance registration is required as space is limited.
Secure your seat today by visiting the registration link in our bio.

10/07/2025

A heartfelt thank you to all the teams, walkers, sponsors, and volunteers who joined us for Sunday's ! With over 400 participants, we proudly raised more than $85,000 to support kidney health awareness across . 🧡🧡 Your support makes a lasting difference—thank you!

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10/05/2025

“My family is our team ❤️ we call our team the Kidney Aces, a play on words due to our strong connection to the sport of tennis and the industry that governs it in the USA. We joined the kidney walk as soon as I was diagnosed with renal carcinoma barely two months ago. I am now recovering from a radical nephrectomy that removed my right kidney, adrenal gland, and a tumor 8.7cm in size. Turns out I have stage 2 and I will learn about an immunotherapy treatment. Being able to do the walk with my family has been my goal to recovery. Everyone close to me has rallied from the start of this journey. - On the night of Sept.22nd, my surgeon gave us the great news that my cancer was contained within the kidney and adrenal gland that were removed on Sept 8th. I am joining the survivorship program for monitoring over the next five years at Yale New Haven Health. We cried and celebrated after receiving the news. I am forever grateful for their love and support and for having the access to excellent medical care. We want my journey to make a difference for others and help bring awareness to many that have the ability to help others.”
-Mavi Sanchez-Skakle
Thanks for sharing your story Mavi!

10/03/2025

Calling all Connecticut residents 📢 Join us on Sunday, October 5 at Hubbard Park to celebrate the strength of the kidney community! This year is especially meaningful as the National Kidney Foundation marks ✨75 years✨ of driving change and saving lives.
Each step we take brings hope—whether you’re walking for a loved one, a friend, or your own journey. Together, we’re making a lasting impact for patients and families everywhere. Register now at kidneywalk.org/connecticut and be part of something bigger!

10/01/2025

October marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Month 🧠💚 — a time to shine a light on the importance of caring for our emotional wellbeing.
For people living with chronic kidney disease, dialysis, or transplant recovery, mental health challenges like depression and anxiety are especially common. The journey can be overwhelming — from the daily impact of treatments to the uncertainty about the future. Yet, mental health struggles are often underrecognized.
At the National Kidney Foundation, we know that mental health is health. Taking care of your emotional wellbeing is just as vital as managing your physical health. That’s why programs like NKF Peers exist — to connect patients, caregivers, and living donors with mentors who have been through similar experiences and can offer guidance, understanding, and hope.

09/29/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Raymour & Flanigan’s Kidney Awareness Day in partnership with the National Kidney Foundation! A special thank you to Imeh Esenyie, Showroom Manager and 10-year kidney transplant recipient, for sharing his story and inspiring us all. We’re also so grateful to the Quinnipiac University students for assisting with blood pressure screenings and to every volunteer who made this day possible. Together, we’re raising awareness, sharing resources, and supporting healthier futures.
If you want to get involved, you can join us this Sunday, October 5th for the Connecticut Kidney Walk! Visit kidneywalk.org/connecticut to learn more!

09/29/2025

Thank you to our Connecticut Kidney Walk sponsors for your support of the local kidney community: Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale School of Medicine, Vertex, Hartford HealthCare, and others!

Your involvement helps us raise kidney health awareness and create lifesaving programs that educate and support patients, their families, and those at risk.

If you’d like to support the event by giving, or you’d like to register and join us on Sunday, October 5th at Hubbard Park in Meriden, please visit KidneyWalk.org/Connecticut.

09/26/2025

Join us for Raymour & Flanigan’s Kidney Awareness Day in partnership with the National Kidney Foundation! We’re bringing the community together to shine a spotlight on kidney health.

Throughout the day, you’ll hear the powerful story of a 10-year kidney transplant recipient, take advantage of free blood pressure screenings, and learn important tips on kidney disease prevention and overall wellness. Refreshments will be provided, making it a chance not only to learn but to connect with others who care about making a difference in their health and their community.

To showcase their commitment to the kidney community further, Raymour & Flanigan is offering an exclusive Buy More, Save More promotion: enjoy 15% off purchases under $2,500 and 20% off purchases over $2,500 during the event.
Make plans to stop by—this is a day of inspiration, education, and savings you won’t want to miss!

09/18/2025

A warm thank you to Dr. Oscar Pena, Internal Medicine Resident & Chief Resident Nephrology for St. Vincent's Medical Center/ Hartford HealthCare for supporting and hosting a Connecticut Kidney Walk rally earlier this week!🧡 Your dedication to kidney health and your ongoing support mean so much to our community.

Join us at the Connecticut Kidney Walk on Sunday, October 5th! Visit kidneywalk.org/connecticut to register or donate today.