Texas Kidney Foundation

Texas Kidney Foundation (TKF) is dedicated to the early detection of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Because we know the difficulties that go along with CKD, we use a proactive approach to address the disease. We believe early detection, education and support will help Texans maintain their quality of life. TKF began because there was a need for patient services in the San Antonio and Rio Grande Valley regions because the local chapter of the nation’s largest kidney foundation closed its doors and left the area. Unfortunately, they didn’t take kidney disease with them. Luckily a tenacious transplant physician, Francis Wright, MD; a community champion, Jennifer Milton, RN MBA; and a humble patient advocate, Marilyn Garcia joined forces to create a foundation that would stand strong to serve our community, Texas Kidney Foundation (TKF). They put together a board of civic minded people with a connection to renal disease. The board hired a small staff and recruited an army of volunteers. They all quickly began the work to restore services and meet the needs of the South Texas renal community. Each year TKF has expanded patient services and strengthened programs. In 2018 as a collective TKF embarked on the first leg of a statewide campaign called the Kidney C.A.R.E. (Clinician and Adult Renal Education) Campaign. The campaign addresses the lack of knowledge about CKD because the disease is overwhelming families all over Texas. According to the Center for Disease Control, 1 out of 3 adults with diabetes has CKD. Every day in the U.S. 130 diabetics begin treatment for kidney failure. TKF is the voice leading the charge to stop the CKD pandemic. Texas Kidney Foundation is leading the nation and changing how we address CKD.