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Understanding the unique challenges veterans face and why no one should navigate them alone. Not Every Kidney Journey Begins the Same Way For some people, kidney disease is linked to diabetes or high blood pressure. For others, it may be connected to genetics, autoimmune disease, or a rare diagnosis. But for many veterans, the story can be different. Military service often brings unique exposures, environments, and experiences that may increase long-term health risks. Years a

The right support can change everything. Kidney Disease Can Feel Lonely. It Shouldn't. For many people, a kidney disease diagnosis comes with more than just medical questions. It brings uncertainty. Who should I call? What do these lab results mean? Do I need a nephrologist? Can I still work? What happens if my kidneys get worse? How do I tell my family? These questions are normal. The good news is this: You don't have to find every answer on your own. At the Enlisted Kidney

A Movement Doesn't Start With Millions. It starts with one conversation. One person sharing their story. One caregiver asking a question. One veteran refusing to let someone else fight alone. That's how real change happens. When we started the Enlisted Kidney Foundation, we didn't set out to build a large social media following. We simply wanted to make sure that no kidney warrior had to navigate this journey alone. Something incredible happened. People began sharing their st

No One Knows Your Body Better Than You A kidney disease diagnosis can leave you feeling like you've been dropped into a world filled with unfamiliar words, endless appointments, and more questions than answers. You may hear terms like eGFR, creatinine, proteinuria, or transplant evaluation, and wonder... "Am I supposed to understand all of this?" The answer is yes, but no one expects you to learn it overnight. At the Enlisted Kidney Foundation, we believe one simple truth: Th

You Don't Have to Be a Doctor to Change Someone's Life When most people hear the word advocate, they picture politicians, lawyers, or healthcare professionals. But advocacy doesn't begin in Washington. It begins with a conversation. It begins when someone shares their kidney journey. It begins when a caregiver tells their story. It begins when a veteran refuses to let another veteran face kidney disease alone. Every movement starts with one person deciding to speak up. That's

We Didn't Build EKF Because We Wanted to Start a Nonprofit. We built it because we lived it. The Enlisted Kidney Foundation wasn't created in a boardroom. It was created through deployments, toxic exposure, rare kidney disease, endless medical appointments, difficult conversations, and the realization that too many people were trying to navigate kidney disease alone. When you're first diagnosed, the questions come quickly. Where do I start? Who can help me? How do I understan

You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone Hearing the words "You have kidney disease" can feel overwhelming. Questions start racing through your mind. What happens next? Do I need a specialist? How bad is this? Who can actually help me? If you've ever felt that way, you're not alone. At the Enlisted Kidney Foundation, we've walked this road ourselves. We know kidney disease isn't just about lab results—it's about navigating doctors, insurance, medications, family conversations,

Your kidneys do so much for you every day. They filter waste, balance fluids, and keep your blood pressure in check. But how often do you think about their health? Kidney disease can sneak up quietly, especially if you belong to groups that face more barriers to care. That’s why staying informed and empowered is crucial. This blog is your go-to resource for understanding kidney disease advocacy updates and how you can take charge of your kidney health journey. Understanding K

When it comes to managing your kidney health, you are not alone. You have a team of dedicated professionals ready to support you every step of the way. But how do you connect with them effectively? How do you make sure your concerns are heard and your care is coordinated? This guide will help you understand the importance of building a strong relationship with your kidney health team and how to access the right contact kidney health resources to empower your journey. Why Conn

It’s Not Veteran’s Day, But… Enlisted Kidney Foundation’s Dan Holmes posted an update that caught my eye. Remember, in addition to being a chronic kidney disease patient, I’m married to a veteran with CKD. I asked Dan for permission to reprint that post. As gracious as ever, he agreed. And so, that’s this week’s blog. Thank you, Dan. “Veterans and Kidney Disease: Closing the Gap Between Risk and Real Care By Dan Holmes, Enlisted Kidney Foundation Kidney disease is one of th

Kidney disease affects millions of people across the United States, and many face challenges in accessing the care and support they need. For veterans and underserved communities, these challenges can be even greater. The Enlisted Kidney Foundation plays a vital role in changing this reality. It raises awareness, supports patients, and advocates for better policies to ensure no one is left behind in their health journey. How the Enlisted Kidney Foundation Supports Kidney He

Sharing your story could save a life today: The Day My Life Changes The Day My Life Changed Life was moving at full speed — work, family, future plans — until the day the doctor delivered the quiet, devastating news: end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It felt like the ground had vanished beneath me. The sudden reality of dialysis was jarring, forcing me into a new, rigid schedule defined by a machine. My energy was constantly depleted, my independence felt lost, and the waiting

I'm a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard - Now 65, I'm looking at an atrophic kidney on my right and the other is doing 74% of the overall...

Gail-raegarwood: SlowItDownCKD wordpress blog Best Six Kidney Disease Blogs of 2016 & 2017; winner Top 75 Nephrology Blogs Clarification This past Friday was Independence Day here in the United States. Despite the despairing political climate at this time, our armed forces have never failed us. I’ve written about their policies for people with kidney disease before, but Dan Holmes has the insider’s perspective. I’ve asked him to explain it to us from the military member’s poi

This month, The Enlisted Kidney Foundation (EKF) is heading to Capitol Hill alongside our partners at NephCure to rally support for H.R....

Veteran to Veteran: William’s Story was approved to be shared on our platform. William Meyer, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, found The...

🛡️This Blog is Yours: 💬 This is your space to speak freely. Tell us what it’s really like to sit in the dialysis chair. Share what you...