Patients weigh in: Getting vaccinated

People living with kidney disease are at greater risk of COVID-19-related complications, hospitalization and even death. People who are on dialysis are particularly vulnerable to the virus, especially those who travel to and from dialysis clinics and may be unable to social distance.

American Kidney Fund (AKF) Ambassadors like Patrick view getting a COVID-19 vaccine as an extra way to protect the health of their kidneys, their loved ones and others with kidney disease.

Visit the AKF website for more information about the COVID-19 vaccines, how to get a vaccine if you have not already and to read more stories from people who chose to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccines and people with kidney disease >>

Did you know that AKF helped make 7% of all U.S. kidney transplants possible last year? But the need for kidneys is overwhelming, with more than 93,000 Americans still waiting for a kidney transplant.

This Donate Life Month, take some time to educate yourself or your community about living donor kidney transplants. Visit the AKF website for more information about the transplant process, benefits and risks of living kidney donation, and how to become a living donor.

Learn more about living kidney transplant >>

We've partnered with FreeWill to provide our community with an online tool to write your legal will, at no personal cost. Just as you've made supporting those with and at risk for kidney disease a part of your life, now you can support your own future—for free. Take 20 minutes today to complete this important task and protect the people and causes you care about.

Get started today >>

Recipe contributed by Susan Zogheib, MHS, RD, LDN

Medium sodium | Low phosphorus | Low potassium | Medium protein

Crab cakes are famous in many areas in the United States, such as Maryland and Seattle. This plump, sweet and filling crab cake is both delicious and super easy to prepare. Crab meat is nutritious too—low in calories and fat, and high in protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The salsa adds an unexpected citrus flare to the dish.

Get the recipe on Kidney Kitchen® >>

During public health emergencies, it is vital that American have access to adequate health insurance coverage. Being covered by a health insurance plan ensures access to primary care doctors, specialists, hospitals and pharmaceuticals.

The Ensuring Coverage in Public Health Emergencies Act of 2021 is bipartisan legislation to ensure that special enrollment periods for signing up for insurance would automatically open during public health emergencies. This bill would trigger a special enrollment period any time there is a public health emergency declaration.

You can make a difference by taking two minutes to ask your U.S. Representative to cosponsor this important legislation >>

Fabry disease is a rare genetic disorder that damages different organs in the body, including the kidneys. This damage can get worse over time and lead to kidney failure. Even though Fabry disease is rare, if one person has Fabry disease, five other family members may also be affected by it. It is important to get tested to find out if Fabry disease runs in your family.

In this webinar, Dr. Michael Mauer will discuss the signs and symptoms of Fabry disease, how Fabry disease causes kidney disease, treatment for people with Fabry disease, and how Fabry disease affects families.

The link between Fabry disease and your kidneys
Wednesday, April 21
1:00–2:00 p.m. EDT

Sign up for the webinar >>