National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin

08/04/2025

Throughout the month of August, Kneaded Relief will be holding a Silent Auction in our Wellness Classroom to raise funds for the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin in honor of Janelle Waterman. Beautifully themed baskets filled with a variety of items (Kneaded Relief services included) will be up for auction until 4:30 on Sunday August 31st.

08/04/2025

Thank you to our amazing partners at Kilby Lake Campground!

07/25/2025

Tomorrow is the big day! Join us for the Summer Celebration and Walk at Brittingham Park Pavilion in Madison tomorrow, July 26! Walk-ins are welcome starting at 9AM or celebrate remotely with a gift to our Kidney Adventures campaign. Details at https://www.kidneywalk.org/yourwaywisconsin

07/24/2025

Thank you Kneaded Relief Day Spa & Wellness!!!

07/23/2025

Coty hopes to see you in Madison on Saturday, July 26 for NKFW's Summer Celebration and Walk (www.kidneywalk.org/yourwaywisconsin/). Learn more about here journey as a dialysis patient and waiting transplant candidate below...

Coty has paid attention to her kidney health since she was diagnosed with diabetes as a child. It was going well until a brush with COVID exposed a blood clotting disorder. That unlucky combination destroyed her kidneys in less than six months. In January 2021, at only 36, Coty Roberts began dialysis. More than 4 years later she is still waiting for a kidney transplant.

Coty describes kidney failure as "a long hard road" that affects every aspect of your life. Outside of the time and financial burdens, she points to the fatigue and strain on personal relationships as hidden barriers. "I am only in my 30s, but my body can't keep up with my mind."

She wants people to know that it is not just the patient who is impacted. "I've missed holidays and celebrations while in the hospital. My husband has been nervous to leave the house in case I fall while he is away. I have an amazing support network, but it is hard on them, too."

As a patient, and a licensed social worker, Coty rejects the platitudes of toxic positivity instead she looks for purpose. "When you are going through a hard time, you can be a voice for others who may not be able to speak up. That is part of the magic of National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin. If sharing my experience as a dialysis patient can touch even one life... If one person gets serious about their risk of kidney disease or becomes an organ donor, that is success."

To RSVP for the Summer Celebration and Walk or to honor Coty's ongoing journey with a gift to NKFW, visit the event page at: www.kidneywalk.org/yourwaywisconsin/

07/22/2025

Thank you again to our amazing partners at Walk It Out Fashion & Hair Show for supporting NKF Wisconsin with your final walk! It was an inspiring event to be a part of and we are so grateful for your dedication to advancing kidney health.

Today Head Executive met with National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin to present them a portion of this years proceeds and all of the raffle tickets sales from “The Final Walk”.

“Money wasn’t important, it was the MESSAGE that matter the most”

Thank everyone that supported Walk It Out Fashion & Hair Show ‼️❤️

07/22/2025

Coverage loss is real. Medicaid changes may hit vulnerable kidney patients hardest. Learn the top myths and what actions to take today.

07/22/2025

As we get closer to the Summer Celebration and Walk at Brittingham Park in Madison on July 26, we want to give a big shoutout of appreciation to Bigmmike Bell and ! BigMMike and his crew work hard to build awareness of kidney disease and the importance of organ donation throughout the year!

There is still time to join in the fun at https://www.kidneywalk.org/yourwaywisconsin

07/19/2025

As a pediatric nurse, Alyse Bailey had seen too many families suffer while their children waited for a lifesaving organ transplant. The pain of it pulled at her heart, until her calling was undeniable.

Alyse knew she could be part of the solution. She applied to be a living kidney donor with no particular recipient in mind. After a thorough evaluation, Alyse’s kidney went to a 5 year old patient in the hospital where she worked.

Alyse knows that not everyone is in a position to become a living donor. By volunteering with National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin (NKFW), she works to build awareness and dispel myths about this lifesaving act. "I was lucky to have the knowledge and support I needed to become a living donor. With NKFW, I get to help share that knowledge and sense of community with others."

Alyse encourages everyone to come out to Madison on Saturday, July 26 for NKFW's Summer Celebration and Walk stepping off at 10AM from Brittingham Park Pavilion. "The more we build visibility of kidney disease and organ transplantation, the more lives we can save!"

To learn more the Summer Celebration and Walk or to honor Alyse's journey with a gift to NKFW, visit the event page at: www.kidneywalk.org/yourwaywisconsin/

07/17/2025

We don't always think of doctors as people who also get sick, but kidney disease does not discriminate. Art is currently among more than 1,200 transplant candidates in Wisconsin waiting for a lifesaving kidney donation. As he waits, he is using his experience to educate others about kidney disease and living kidney donation. Art has written articles in his town magazine, shares NKFW resources in waiting rooms, and is always looking for new ways to spread awareness of this chronic health crisis.

"You never know who might come forward as a kidney donor. We just have to keep talking about it and getting the word out." Arts says "National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin has been a great resource. I'm grateful to know this community is here for kidney patients, like me."

To learn more about Art's story, honor his journey with a gift to NKFW, or join in the Summer Celebration and Walk on July 26, please visit Art's fundraising page at: www.kidneywalk.org/yourwaywisconsin/ArtNeedsAKidney

07/16/2025

Wisconsin Public Radio recently highlighted living donation journeys of two familiar faces - Andrea Weisman (NKFW Board Member) and Michael Crowley (NKFW CEO). Thank you both for sharing your journeys to inspire others.

As of 2024, more than 1,200 people in Wisconsin were waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant. A number of Wisconsinites have chosen to donate to others while still living — even if the donors don’t know who the organ might go to.

07/15/2025

Register today for the 2025 Summer Celebration and Walk on July 26 at Brittingham Park Pavilion in Madison. Registration opens at 9:00 AM with 1/2 mile and 2 mile walk routes departing at 10:00 AM. This event is free to attend and family friendly. Awards will be given for largest team, most funds raised, best kidney themed outfits, and more fun categories as we celebrate another year of NKFW and our amazing kidney community.

Get started at www.kidneywi.org/featuredevents

Check out National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin's featured events, including the Spotlight on Life Gala in March and summer Cool Beans Adventure event.