WASHINGTON—The kidney care community turned out in force on the evening of Oct. 6 for the American Kidney Fund's national gala, The Hope Affair. The sold-out, first-time event raised more than $600,000 for American Kidney Fund programs and services in support of those with and at risk for kidney disease.
More than 350 guests attended The Hope Affair, held at the Newseum and emceed by Wolf Blitzer, anchor of CNN's The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer. Four key congressional lawmakers were honored for supporting the interests of kidney patients—Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) received the Kidney Patient Leadership Award; Rep. Donna M. Christensen (D-Va.) received the Kidney Patient Advocate Award; Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) received the Kidney Patient Champion Award; and Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calf.) received the Kidney Patient Rising Star Award
The Hope Affair was supported by sponsors including DaVita, Fresenius Medical Care, Amgen, AMAG Pharmaceuticals, American Renal Associates, Renal Advantage, Technical Resources International, Genzyme and U.S. Renal Care.
The American Kidney Fund provides charitable assistance to one out of every five dialysis patients in the United States, helping them to maintain their health insurance coverage and to pay other treatment-related expenses that insurance does not cover. The American Kidney Fund provides kidney health education services and free screenings to people at risk for kidney disease, and advocates for equitable access and quality healthcare for kidney patients.
