National Kidney Foundation - Kentucky

05/26/2026

Let us introduce you to Vernice — she’s currently looking for a kidney donor.

Every day, thousands of people across the country are waiting for a second chance through kidney transplantation. Today, we’re honored to share the story of Vernice Mitchell — a registered nurse, women’s health advocate, mentor, mother, leader, and woman of faith who has dedicated her life to caring for others.

Now, Vernice is facing her own life-changing journey as she prepares for a kidney transplant and searches for a living kidney donor.

Even while navigating serious health challenges, Vernice continues to pour into her community through nursing, mentoring women, speaking, and creating safe healing spaces for others. Her strength, compassion, and faith continue to inspire those around her.

By sharing her story, we hope to help connect Vernice with someone willing to give the extraordinary gift of life through living kidney donation.

To learn more about becoming a living donor for Vernice, please contact the UK Transplant Center: 859-323-2467 UKlivingdonor@uky.edu

05/19/2026

Dolly Parton recently shared her struggle with kidney stones, a painful condition that affects millions. Symptoms like severe side or back pain, nausea, blood in the urine, or fever should never be ignored. Staying hydrated and getting early treatment can help prevent serious complications. Wishing Dolly a speedy recovery 💛

"Dolly Parton concert BIC Bournemouth" by pipilongstockings, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Country music legend Dolly Parton recently shared that she had to cancel her Vegas shows due to ongoing kidney stone and digestive system issues. But by sharing her story, Parton is helping shine a light on a cond...

05/01/2026

We’re sharing something special today! National Kidney Foundation's first “LIVING DONOR!” PSA 🎬 It’s real, relatable, and even brings a little humor to a serious topic. Created by comedy director Melissa Silverman (https://www.melissasilverman.tv/), who’s living with CKD from autoimmune vasculitis and waiting for a transplant, this campaign is all about the impact of living kidney donation 🙌

Want to learn more? Check it out: kidney.org/livingdonor 🔗

Watch Melissa's story here: https://youtu.be/6y059qH84Ag?si=vpJ-_VRjd1Hi55Nx

04/29/2026

Big round of applause for Taylor O'Shaugnessy 👏 A proud Donate Life Ambassador and living kidney donor, she was honored at the University of Louisville Baseball game yesterday! She was joined by her kidney recipient, Scott, making the moment even more meaningful.

We’re so grateful to have been there to celebrate Taylor, support her journey, and help raise awareness for the life-saving impact of organ donation!

04/24/2026

Mark your calendars! 🗓️

Join us for Kidney Conversations, our quarterly patient support group for anyone in Kentucky living with kidney disease or supporting a loved one who is. Our first meeting will be on November 10th, and all attendees will be entered into a raffle for a gift card drawing as a thank you for their attendance.

Please register here: https://forms.office.com/r/FP8esPsvkd and consider completing our short survey at https://forms.office.com/r/e0C2YRGBuS to better inform our future patient programming.

We’d love to connect with you, share experiences, and provide support in a welcoming space. ❤️

04/23/2026

In honor of National Pediatric Transplant Week, we’re sharing Team Mariah's story. Born 4/8/24, Mariah is a brave little fighter living with end-stage renal disease, now on hemodialysis as she awaits the next steps toward a kidney transplant. She is also courageously battling Retinoblastoma and complex congenital conditions, yet remains a bright, interactive baby who loves music, toys, and playful moments—bringing joy to everyone around her. 🎶🥰🧡

Are you considering becoming a living donor? Visit NKF's Kidney Learning Center at https://bit.ly/43wRkc2 learn about the process.

04/22/2026

Sharing Oakley’s story this 💙

Every share matters in helping find a living donor and giving kids like Oakley a chance at a healthier future. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a donor or want to support in any way, now is the time to learn more and help change a life.💚

Learn more or get involved: DonateLifeKY.org/stories/oakley/

04/21/2026

In honor of National Pediatric Transplant Week, we’re celebrating the strength and resilience of patients like Miss Isabelle Black 🧡

After 20 months on dialysis, countless doctor and hospital visits, and two years away from school, Isabelle received the gift of a lifetime: a new kidney.

What began as unexplained fevers in spring 2023 turned into a devastating diagnosis— kidney failure caused by a rare autoimmune disease. For nearly two years, Isabelle faced strict limits on her diet and fluid intake, and even simple joys like swimming were out of reach. Through it all, her nephrology and rheumatology care team at Norton Children's was there every step of the way.

Today, Isabelle is thriving. She’s back in school as a fourth grader, playing tennis, doing gymnastics, and finally enjoying Chick-fil-A and swimming in her backyard pool.

Recently, Isabelle, her donor, and her mother were honored as guest speakers at NKF’s Gift of Life Gala at the Kentucky Derby Museum, where they shared their powerful story to inspire others.

Isabelle, your strength and courage inspire us all. 🧡

04/20/2026

The internet made magic happen ✨

We’re SO excited to see Taylor O'Shaughnessy, a living kidney donor and Donate Life Ambassador, being honored at the University of Louisville Baseball game that is being sponsored by Network for Hope on Tuesday, April 28.

Taylor will be joined by her kidney recipient, Scott—and thanks to a little online magic, Pat Kelsey, the Louisville Men's Basketball coach, will also be there to celebrate this incredible moment!!!

Stories like this remind us of the power of living donation and community 🧡

Don't miss it! Tickets are going fast! Join Taylor, her recipient Scott, and Coach PK next Tuesday for an unforgettable night celebrating the power of living donation.

04/15/2026

What an incredible evening at our Renal Roundtable on ANCA-Associated Vasculitis with leading expert Dr. Zonozi! The energy, engagement, and thoughtful discussions around AAV made this event truly special.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and to Amgen for their support in bringing this experience to life! 🙌

04/08/2026

Did you know? Managing high phosphate levels in the blood is KEY to better patient outcomes.

🎧 Tune in to the discussion on the treatment and management of hyperphosphatemia, a common challenge experienced by people living with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. https://bit.ly/4uODZXD