East Tennessee Kidney Foundation

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Today, we remember their courage, service, and selflessness — and we extend our gratitude to the families who carry their legacy forward.

At the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation, we are thankful for those who served our country and continue serving our community every day. Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day. ❤️🤍💙

05/22/2026

Yesterday Alexandra had the privilege of attending the 100 Women Who Care meeting and connecting with so many incredible community partners throughout Loudon County. We are encouraged every time we have the opportunity to share our story, raise awareness, and continue helping those in need.

We were especially grateful for the chance to meet Sarah Wilkerson from the Boys & Girls Club of Loudon County. It was wonderful to have meaningful conversations about renal diets, kidney health, and ways we can continue supporting families in our community through education and resources.

Community partnerships like these remind us that together, we can make a lasting impact. 💚

05/21/2026

Missing dialysis is not “just missing an appointment.”

Dialysis only replaces part of your kidney’s function. When treatments are missed, dangerous toxins and fluid begin building up in the body.

Did you know?
▪ Missing 3+ treatments per month increases the risk of death
▪ Skipping treatments can impact transplant eligibility
▪ Missing just ONE treatment every week equals nearly 4 months of missed dialysis each year

For many patients, transportation is one of the biggest barriers to staying alive and staying healthy.

Through the Dianne Hagey Dialysis Transportation Program, ETKF helps dialysis patients across East Tennessee get to the life-saving treatments they depend on every week. The program assists patients who have no reliable transportation options and may otherwise miss critical care.

Because transportation should never determine survival. 💚

📍 Learn more about the Dianne Hagey Dialysis Transportation Program:
https://www.etkidney.org/dianne-hagey-dialysis-transportation-program/

05/19/2026

Today is always a wonderful day with the Akima Club of Knoxville, and ETKF is ALL smiles as we celebrate receiving this generous annual grant in support of our Nutritional Supplement Program. This funding helps us provide nutritional support to 47 dialysis clinics across 25 counties in East Tennessee, making a meaningful difference in the lives of kidney patients throughout our region. We are incredibly grateful for partners who continue to invest in healthier communities across East Tennessee.

05/18/2026

⛳️ Rally your team for a day on the course that makes a real difference.

The Puttin’ for Kidneys – Tri-Cities is more than just a great round of Putt-Putt — it directly supports the Dianne Hagey Dialysis Transportation Program, helping kidney patients across the East Tennessee Highlands get to the lifesaving dialysis treatments they depend on.

📅 July 9th | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Your team registration includes:
⛳ A fun putt-putt experience
🍽 Food & refreshments
🎁 Great prizes and giveaways
🤝 Networking with local businesses and community leaders
💚 The opportunity to change lives right here in our region

For many dialysis patients, transportation is one of the biggest barriers to treatment. Every team that signs up helps ensure patients can get the care they need, when they need it.

Bring your coworkers, clients, friends, or family and be part of something that truly matters.

📍 Register your team today:
https://www.etkidney.org/events/puttin-for-kidneys-tri-cities/

05/15/2026

Kidney patients across the Appalachian Highlands should never miss life-saving dialysis treatment because they can’t afford transportation.

That’s why the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation is hosting Puttin’ for Kidneys on July 9 in Kingsport — raising funds to support the Dianne Hagey Dialysis Transportation Program, which currently assists more than 100 patients across East Tennessee and the Highlands region.

Currently, ETKF provides over $30,000 annually in transportation reimbursements to help patients get to and from dialysis treatments safely.

Thank you to WCYB News 5 for helping us spread awareness about this important mission and upcoming community event.

Join us. Sponsor a team. Play. Donate. Make a difference.

📍 Putt-Putt Fun Center – Kingsport, TN
📅 July 9, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Learn more or register today: https://www.etkidney.org/events/puttin-for-kidneys-tri-cities/



https://wcyb.com/station/news-5-at-noon/interviews/east-tennessee-kidney-foundation-puttin-for-kidneys-event-coming-up-july-9

East Tennessee Kidney Foundation Puttin' for Kidneys event coming up July 9

05/15/2026

Honored to be on WCYB NBC today in Bristol sharing the story of the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation, the growing need across our region, and how ETKF is touching lives every single day through patient support, education, and outreach.
We were also excited to spotlight our upcoming Puttin’ for Kidneys event on July 9th in Kingsport, TN — helping raise awareness and support for kidney patients and families throughout East Tennessee.
Thank you to the WCYB team for the opportunity to share our mission and the impact being made every day. 💚

05/14/2026

⛳️ Mini Golf. Major Impact. 💚

Grab your team and join us for Puttin’ for Kidneys – Tri-Cities on July 9th at Putt-Putt Fun Center in Kingsport! Enjoy an evening of fun, friendly competition, food, drinks, and community — all while supporting local kidney patients through the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation’s Dianne Hagey Dialysis Transportation Program. Every dollar raised helps East Tennesseans get to life-saving dialysis treatments.

📍 Putt-Putt Fun Center – Kingsport, TN
📅 July 9th, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Whether you’re registering a team, becoming a sponsor, or just coming out to play, your support makes a direct impact right here in our community.

Register today and help us putt for a purpose!
Register Here

Puttin' for Kidneys - Tri-CitiesMini Golf. Major Impact Register Your Team Mini Golf. Major Impact Join local businesses, community members, and friends for a fun, high-energy putt-putt event supporting kidney patients across East Tennessee—benefiting the Dianne Hagey Dialysis Transportation Progr...

05/13/2026

⛳️ Mini Golf. Major Impact. 💚

Grab your team and join us for Puttin’ for Kidneys – Tri-Cities on July 16th at Putt-Putt Fun Center in Kingsport! Enjoy an evening of fun, friendly competition, food, drinks, and community — all while supporting local kidney patients through the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation’s Dianne Hagey Dialysis Transportation Program. Every dollar raised helps East Tennesseans get to life-saving dialysis treatments.

📍 Putt-Putt Fun Center – Kingsport, TN
📅 July 16, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Whether you’re registering a team, becoming a sponsor, or just coming out to play, your support makes a direct impact right here in our community.

Register today and help us putt for a purpose!
Register Here

Puttin' for Kidneys - Tri-CitiesMini Golf. Major Impact Register Your Team Mini Golf. Major Impact Join local businesses, community members, and friends for a fun, high-energy putt-putt event supporting kidney patients across East Tennessee—benefiting the Dianne Hagey Dialysis Transportation Progr...

05/12/2026

At the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation, we know firsthand how life-changing — and life-saving — kidney care, treatment, and community support can be.

Rick Russo’s courage, honesty, and determination throughout his journey continue to inspire so many across East Tennessee. We are sending Rick and his family strength, encouragement, and support as he continues his recovery.

Stories like Rick’s remind us why awareness, early detection, organ donation, and patient support matter every single day.

We’re rooting for you, Rick. 💚

It is an undesirable journey, but it’s Rick’s. It’s also one that’s shared by thousands of folks in our community, our state, our country, and even worldwide. https://tinyurl.com/bdds69u7