East Tennessee Kidney Foundation

11/14/2025

Kidney disease affects thousands of our neighbors, friends, and family members here in Tennessee.

In 2024 alone:

🔴 15,871 Tennesseans are living with kidney failure
🔴 11,241 depend on dialysis
🔴 4,630 are living with a kidney transplant
🔴 Only 1.8% of newly diagnosed patients received a transplant

Kidney disease often develops silently — many people don’t experience symptoms until it’s advanced.

That’s why we created a brand-new educational resource to help our community learn the signs, risks, and available treatments.

💡 Learn more at:
https://www.etkidney.org/what-is-kidney-disease/

Awareness saves lives. Share this post to help spread the word.

11/14/2025

Every Contribution Makes a Big Impact! ❤️

Giving Tuesday may be just a few weeks away—but you don’t have to wait to make a difference! Your donation today helps the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation, Inc.™ provide life-sustaining care and critical resources to neighbors battling kidney disease across 25 East Tennessee counties.

💪 Every dollar stays local, funding programs that support patients through 48 clinics in our region.
💚 We rely entirely on grants and private donations, so your generosity truly changes lives right here at home.

✨ Don’t wait for a special day to give—your kindness matters every day.
👉 Make your donation today: https://www.etkidney.org/donate/

11/13/2025

✨ Honored to Celebrate the Starfish Awards ✨
Tonight, the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation had the privilege of attending the Annual Starfish Awards hosted by United Way of Anderson County.
The Starfish Awards recognize community volunteers who make a difference for “the one”—the most vulnerable among us—echoing the powerful starfish legend that reminds us how one small act can change a life.
It was truly incredible to hear the stories of sacrifice, compassion, and dedication shared tonight. These volunteers aren't just helping—they’re transforming lives across our community, one person at a time.
We’re grateful to be part of such meaningful work happening right here in East Tennessee. 💙

11/12/2025

At the heart of everything we do is one shared goal: helping those who need it most. 💙

We’re proud to partner with the United Way of Greater Knoxville to strengthen our community and make a lasting impact on the lives of our neighbors. Together, we’re connecting people with the resources, support, and hope they need to thrive.

Because when we lift each other up, our whole community grows stronger. 🌟

11/11/2025

Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our country—and we extend a special tribute to those who continue their fight each day while undergoing dialysis.

Your courage, resilience, and dedication inspire us all. The East Tennessee Kidney Foundation proudly stands beside our veteran dialysis patients, recognizing your strength not only in uniform but in your ongoing journey toward better health.

Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your unwavering spirit. 💙❤️🤍

11/10/2025

🚗💙 Donating your vehicle is one of the easiest ways to support kidney patients in East TN! Any car/truck/boat/bike/RV—running or not. 100% of proceeds stay local. 👉 etkidney.org/volunteer-your-ride
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11/09/2025

🌟 Our New Website is Live! 🌟

We’re thrilled to unveil the new and improved www.etkidney.org
— your hub for everything ETKF! 💻💚

Explore how we’re supporting kidney patients across East Tennessee through our programs, partnerships, and community impact. From helping with transportation and nutritional supplements to connecting with social workers across 48 dialysis clinics, our mission is to make every day a little easier for those living with kidney disease.

✨ Visit today to:
✔ Learn about our programs and services
✔ Find ways to volunteer or donate
✔ Read inspiring patient stories
✔ Discover upcoming events and local initiatives

Together, we’re building a regional network of compassion and care. 💪🩸

🔗 www.etkidney.org

11/09/2025

We are so honored that our friends at Living East Tennessee and WATE-6 have shared this with our East Tennessee neighbours. Thank you so much!

The East Tennessee Kidney Foundation is celebrating a local woman who is a Living Kidney Donor and promoting a collaboration with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, who will donate $1.00 from every tick…

11/08/2025

What an incredible morning with the incredible Kiser, who shared her inspiring journey as a living kidney donor. 💚
Katie donated her kidney to 3-year-old Thomas — a child she’d never met — and gave him the gift of life.
Watch the full story: https://www.wate.com/video/living-kidney-donation/11242556/

11/07/2025

🌟 WHY BECOME A LIVING DONOR? 🌟

THE KATIE KISER STORY

Today, we were honored to visit WATE 6 On Your Side and appear Living East Tennessee to share Katie’s inspiring story of selfless generosity and hope.

In January 2025, Katie came across a post from a mother searching for a kidney donor for her 3-year-old son, Thomas. Moved with compassion, she felt called to step forward and be tested. Months later, she discovered she was a match—and on September 23, 2025, she donated her kidney to Thomas.

Their bond has grown beyond donor and recipient—they’re now family. Both are healing and thriving, living proof of what it means to answer the call to help others. 💚

Katie’s story reminds us that one person’s decision can give another the gift of life and time.
If you’ve ever wondered about becoming a living kidney donor, take the first step. Learn more, ask questions, and see how you could make a life-changing impact right here in our community.

Find out more at: https://www.etkidney.org/how-to-become-a-kidney-donor/

11/06/2025

Today in Kingsport💙
We had the privilege of working alongside an incredible group of Social Workers and Dietitians — David, Stephanie, and Aleta — whose dedication and compassion truly make a difference every day.

Together, we were able to bring our Nutritional Supplement Program to three more clinics, helping expand access to essential nutrition for those who need it most. It was also our pleasure to deliver Pure Protein bars as part of our ongoing effort to support healthier communities.

Grateful for the teamwork, heart, and impact shared today in Johnson City! 🌟