Texas Kidney Foundation

25/07/2025

🩺 FREE Kidney Education & Health Fair – July 26! 🧬
🎉 Beasley Brown Community Center
📍 225 N Swiss St, San Antonio, TX 78202
🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Join us for a FREE Community Health Resource Fair hosted by the Texas Kidney Foundation!

✨ What’s happening:
✅ Free Genetic Kidney Test (Valued at $650!)
✅ Health Screenings: eGFR, uACR, cholesterol, glucose, A1C, weight/BMI, vision, asthma/COPD, heart panel, and free dental exams for all ages
✅ Community & medical referrals
✅ Mental health counseling
✅ Help with kidney transplant applications, Medicaid, Medicare, and more
✅ Kids Area 🎨 + Bingo Lotería 🎉
✅ Enter raffles & win prizes!
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Community Health Workers will be on-site to support YOU and your family.

💜 Open to all! Come learn, get screened, and connect with resources that can protect your kidneys and improve your health.

📞 For info: Contact CWH-I Promoter Martha
📲 210-609-8701 | 📧 mlopez@txkidney.org
🌐 txkidney.org/bexar-2
Let’s build a healthier San Antonio — one neighbor at a time. 💪🫂

25/07/2025

Proud moment for the Texas Kidney Foundation! Our President & CEO Tiffany Jones-Smith has received Baylor University's 2025 Barbara Walker Distinguished Black Alumni Achievement Award!

This prestigious honor recognizes her transformative leadership in kidney health—from chairing the Texas Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force to championing community-driven solutions that empower underserved Texans.

Congratulations also to Dr. Brian Benson '05, recipient of the Rev. Robert Gilbert Award, for his excellence in reconstructive surgery and mentorship.

Tiffany's recognition reflects the impact we're making together in the fight against kidney disease. Thank you for being part of our mission!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1G4kwA4RfF/

Honoring Baylor Black Alumni who, through service, have earned the respect and approval of peers and colleagues in their communities, professions, and vocations.

17/07/2025

🧬 The Unseen Threat: AMKD and Your Kidney Health

If you're Black, African American, Afro-Caribbean, or Afro-Latino — your kidneys could be at risk, even if you feel fine.

APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) often starts with no symptoms. Or worse, with signs that are easy to ignore:

Foamy urine

Mild swelling

Fatigue that won’t go away

🔥 Don’t wait for things to get worse.
eGFR alone isn’t enough — ask your doctor for a uACR test too.
These two tests together can catch kidney damage early — before it’s too late.

💡 Know your risk. Get tested. Take control.

11/07/2025

🧬 Beyond Foamy Urine: 5 Early Signs of a Silent Kidney Threat in Black & African American Communities 🩺

Most people think kidney disease comes with clear symptoms. But APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD)—which affects many people of West or Central African ancestry—often starts silently. No pain. No big warnings. Just quiet damage until it’s too late.

If you’re Black, African American, Afro-Caribbean, or Afro-Latino, this matters for you and your family.

👀 Here are 5 subtle signs to take seriously:
Foamy urine (your kidneys may be leaking protein)

Swelling in your ankles, legs, or around your eyes

Fatigue that feels more like burnout than tiredness

High blood pressure — a cause and a warning

Family history of kidney problems or early dialysis

These symptoms can be easy to brush off—but they’re often early red flags of AMKD.

🧪 Here’s the part many people miss:
If your doctor only runs a blood test called eGFR, that’s not enough.
You also need a UACR urine test to see if your kidneys are leaking protein.
➕ Ask about APOL1 genetic testing if kidney disease runs in your family.

💥 Your Action Plan:
✅ Know your signs
✅ Ask your doctor for both eGFR and UACR tests
✅ Consider genetic testing if there’s a family history
✅ Drink water, watch salt, move daily, and control your blood pressure

🗣️ Kidney disease doesn’t always shout—it whispers. Listen. Speak up. Get tested.
Because when it comes to kidney health, early is everything.

📌 Share this to help someone else catch AMKD early.

02/07/2025

The Texas Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force met on June 27, 2025, covering these specific topics:
📌 APOL1 Genetic Testing
New information about kidney disease risk genes
Why early testing matters for children
Available testing options in Texas
📌 Creative Education Programs
"Fixing Paco" - a TV series teaching about kidney health
"Linked by Love" - educational series about transplants
"The Christmas Chain" movie (8 million viewers!)
📌 Committee Updates
5 committees now handling different aspects of kidney care
Focus on early detection, education, and research
Personal note: Chair Tiffany Jones Smith shared her experience living with APOL1 kidney disease.
🎥 Watch: https://texashhsc.v3.swagit.com/videos/347754

📖 Read:

12/06/2025

📢 Big News for Kidney Health in Texas! 🩺💜

On June 10, 2025, the Texas Kidney Foundation made history by launching the first annual FSGS Day—a groundbreaking step in the fight against kidney disease.

In a special ceremony, Senator Donna Campbell’s office presented a Texas Senate proclamation declaring June 10th as FSGS Day for the next 10 years! 🙌

We were proud to be joined by representatives from State Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins’s office and Congressman Henry Cuellar’s office to celebrate this important milestone.

This is more than a date—it’s a decade-long commitment to awareness, education, and action. 💪

11/06/2025

🎉 History Made in Texas! 🎉

On June 10, 2025, the Texas Kidney Foundation proudly launched the first-ever FSGS Day, marking a major milestone in kidney disease awareness.

At an exclusive ceremony, Senator Donna Campbell’s office officially read a Texas Senate proclamation designating June 10 as FSGS Day for the next 10 years! 🙌

We were honored to have representatives from Barbara Gervin-Hawkins’s office and Congressman Henry Cuellar’s office join us in commemorating this powerful moment.

Together, we’re raising awareness and driving change. 💜