National Kidney Foundation - Upstate and Western NY

09/04/2026

🌟Fundraising Friday🌟

With 3 weeks until Walk Day, today's Fundraiser Spotlight shines on the collective efforts of our current Top Teams who each raised over $1,000 so far!

Every donation, every new walker, and every share brings us closer to our goal of raising $175,000 ... and helps fuel the National Kidney Foundation’s urgent mission.

Your commitment to fundraising pushes a closer to a future free from the pain of kidney disease. 🧡

Want to learn quick steps to fundraise $300 in one week?! Check out our one-page guide in the Kidney Walk Fundraiser Toolkit! https://www.kidneywalk.org/upstate

Register today and join us on Sunday, September 27 at Ontario Beach Park! https://www.kidneywalk.org/upstate

08/29/2026

🌟Fundraising Friday🌟

Today's Fundraiser Spotlight shines on our current Top Team, West's Walkers.

West's Walkers have walked alongside Mike on his 12-year journey of kidney cancer, kidney failure, and living on dialysis. This year, West's Walkers will walk in memory of Mike and in honor of all those impacted by kidney disease.

"We remain hopeful that TOGETHER we can improve the lives of millions of Americans who face kidney disease ... It's time to burn the good candles, hug the ones you love, and stay steadfast in your belief that change is possible."

Each year, West's Walkers raise awareness and reach a broad network by connecting their Walk pages to social media. Visit the Fundraiser Toolkit at www.kidneywalk.org/upstate to learn more about how to activate your social network!

08/21/2026

🌟Fundraising Friday🌟

Today's Fundraiser Spotlight shines on our Top Fundraiser, and new Kidney Walker, Emma!

"There are moments in life that divide everything into 'before' and 'after.' For me, that moment came shortly after returning from a conference in New Orleans last October. I had no way of knowing that the trip would mark the end of one chapter of my life and the beginning of another—one defined by dialysis, medical appointments, surgeries, and learning to navigate life with end-stage renal disease.

Today, I live with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and rely on peritoneal dialysis to do the work my kidneys can no longer do on their own. Dialysis isn't something I think about only during doctor appointments—it's part of my everyday routine. It affects how I spend my time, how I plan my days, and how I think about the future.

What many people don't realize is that kidney disease is often invisible. From the outside, I may look healthy, but every day requires managing a condition that doesn't take a day off.

But this story isn't about what kidney disease has taken from me.

It's about what I've gained ..."

➡ Read the rest of Emma's story on her Walk page at www.kidneywalk.org/upstate

💡 Did you know that team members who update their personal Walk pages (including sharing their story in the "Why I Walk" section) raise, on average, 9 times more than those who do not?! Not sure how to get started? Check out the tips and tools in the Fundraiser Toolkit www.kidneywalk.org/Static/Walker-Toolkit

07/31/2026

🍎 FOOD AND FLAVOR FRIDAY 🍎

A healthy plant-based diet may help slow the progression of kidney disease, according to Dr. Shivam Joshi, a researcher known for his work in plant-based nutrition!

Check out the National Kidney Foundation's article: "What a Kidney Doctor Wants You to Know About Plant-Based Diets and Kidney Disease."

Visit the National Kidney Foundation Nutrition Hub for info on kidney-friendly diets, delicious recipes, and more! www.kidney.org/nutrition

Does what you eat really make a difference in kidney disease? For many people, the answer is yes! According to Dr. Shivam Joshi, a kidney doctor and researcher known for his work in plant-based nutrition, a healthy plant-based diet may help slow the progression of kidney disease.

07/27/2026

🎉HOORAY! Kidney Walk is 2 months away! Register Today!

Your walk does more than raise awareness—it raises the funds that power research, drive earlier diagnoses, and bring better treatments to people fighting kidney disease.

Join us on Sunday, September 27 at Ontario Beach Park in Rochester!

THANK YOU for your passion and compassion for our kidney community and the National Kidney Foundation's urgent mission.

Register or donate: www.kidneywalk.org/upstate

07/15/2026

👟Kidney Walk Talk Wednesday!

By joining the Upstate and Western NY Kidney Walk, YOU create hope.

Your commitment to fundraising pushes us closer to a future free from the pain of kidney disease.

❗Register today: www.kidneywalk.org/upstate

We can't wait to see you at the Kidney Walk on Sunday, September 27 at Ontario Beach Park!

07/08/2026

👟Welcome to Kidney Walk Talk Wednesday!

Start your Kidney Walk journey today by registering for the 2026 Upstate and Western NY Kidney Walk!

When you fundraise for the Kidney Walk, YOU help advance the National Kidney Foundation's mission and make an impact that lasts far beyond event day, showing every kidney community member that hope is on the horizon.

THANK YOU for helping reach our goal of raising $175,000!

We can't wait to Walk With You on Sunday, September 27 at Ontario Beach Park!

www.kidneywalk.org/upstate

Help support National Kidney Foundation today!

07/07/2026

More mentors are being trained every month. No matter how you’re part of the kidney community, you can talk to someone who’s been there by visiting kidney.org/PEERS today.

05/26/2026

⚾ Join us as we Strike Out Kidney Disease with the Rochester Red Wings!
Council of Nephrology Social Workers of the National Kidney Foundation - Upstate and Western NY is teaming up with the Rochester Red Wings for a special night of kidney health awareness!

Saturday, June 13, 2026
Gates Open: 5:30 PM | First Pitch: 6:45 PM
ESL Ballpark – Rochester, NY

1 in 7 adults are living with kidney disease — many don’t even know it.

🧡 Help us Strike Out Kidney Disease: https://teamkidney.rallybound.org/StrikeOutKidneyDiseaseROCNY

Do YOU Know YOUR Numbers?!
Stop by our foundation table for kidney health resources throughout the game!

05/04/2026

👟 Take the step that can change everything.
🧡 Register and join us at the Upstate and Western NY Kidney Walk on Sunday, September 27!

Together, we bring our kidney community hope, healing, and the promise that no one faces kidney disease alone. Together, we will create a future where kidney health is a priority for all.

📍 Ontario Beach Park (Rochester, NY)
🕘 Check-in at 9:30am | Walk begins at 11:00am

Register today at www.kidneywalk.org/upstate