Jeremy and Drew Smith: Brothers, best friends and the perfect match

Jeremy Smith and his brother, Drew, have been best friends since they were kids. Now both in their 30s, they have spent decades doing everything together—playing on the same sports teams, taking an annual snowboarding trip to Lake Tahoe, hanging out in the same group of friends, attending the same college and even once following each other in a move across the country.

But in 2020, they also went into surgery together when Jeremy donated his kidney to Drew.

Read their story on the Kidney Today blog >>

AKF recently announced a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Unknown Causes of Kidney Disease Summit, to improve understanding of how undiagnosed or misdiagnosed causes of kidney disease directly impact patient care and outcomes. The Summit took place virtually on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, bringing together renowned researchers, professional organizations, allied health organizations, advocacy organizations and patients.

Learn more about this exciting initiative >>

Do you or someone you know have autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)? If so, a clinical trial might be an option.

A new clinical trial is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of an investigational drug. Researchers are studying how the drug might affect the progression of ADPKD, as well as the kidney function of participants in the study.

Researchers are looking for participants who: have been diagnosed with ADPKD by a doctor, are between the ages of 18 and 50, have been successfully managing their blood pressure with anti-hypertension medication for at least 30 days and whose kidney disease is at risk for rapid progression. Even if you do not meet all of these conditions, you may still qualify.

Complete the pre-screener to check your eligibility >>

Thousands of people visited AKF's website to vote for the 2021 Calendar Kids Art Contest cover artist. The winner, 11-year-old Khloe from Woodbine, New Jersey, created art titled "Kidneys & Flowers" that alludes to the shortage of organs available for everyone on the kidney transplant waiting list. It also shows her optimism that one day everyone will be able to get the transplant they need.

The 2021 calendar also features the artwork of 12 other talented children with kidney disease and is available for purchase now on the AKF website.

Order your 2021 calendar today >>

Recipe contributed by FamilyCook Productions

These luscious little cakes are easy to prepare and make a very impressive presentation. The accent of rose in the icing keeps them moist and adds a distinctive taste.

Be sure to grease the madeleine molds with butter evenly, and not leave clumps of butter in the grooves. This will ensure that the little cakes, when unmolded, will have their seashell grooves intact and enhance their appearance and appeal. If you use silicone madeleine pans, just spray with cooking spray—no flour needed.

Get the full recipe on Kidney Kitchen® >>

2020 was a challenging year for many reasons. But we found something incredible amidst the turmoil, anxiety, misinformation and chaos: Kind supporters like you who donated, volunteered, liked, shared and supported our mission.

Despite our collective best efforts, there are 37 million Americans with kidney disease across the country. That means we have 37 million reasons to keep up the fight. Will you join us with a donation before the year ends? Your tax-deductible contribution ensures we can fight kidney disease on all fronts this year and for many years to come. Thank you and happy holidays.

Donate now >>

On November 10, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case California v. Texas, the most recent challenge to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). A decision from the court is expected by June.

Visit the AKF Advocacy Blog for a summary of the case, the legal questions the Supreme Court will be considering, how potential outcomes will affect the future of the ACA and the health care of millions of Americans, and what was learned from the oral argument session.

Read more on the Kidney Today blog >>