2018 marked the Golden Anniversary of the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin. For over five decades, the relentless efforts of volunteers and medical professionals have given hope to thousands of patients and their families. In 1968, diagnosis of kidney disease meant certain death for patients. Physicians and volunteers responded to this call for help and banded together for the common goal of fighting kidney disease. Together, they formed what is now the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin (NKFW) on September 14, 1968.
The National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin was founded by like-minded men and women who saw a need and wanted to create change and save lives.
Patient Focus
The National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin has always been dedicated to the care of patients. In the early days, the critical need was for enough dialysis machines to provide care to those who needed it. Events such as fish fries were held to support patient programs. Today, the focus has shifted to programs and services that impact public health, concentrating on prevention, community and healthcare resources and support for all who are impacted.
For Frank Germinaro, the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin was not only a salvation, but a home. Frank received a kidney transplant in 1970 and was told he may only have a short life expectancy. That kidney lasted 46 years! In 2017 his daughter donated one of her kidneys to him, when the first donated organ failed. Frank served as the Chairman of the NKFW from 1989-1990 and was actively engaged for years. For National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin’s 50th anniversary, Frank recorded a brief video with his reflections about his transplant and involvement with the NKFW.
Transforming Healthcare
Since its beginnings, the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin’s leaders and volunteers have been dedicated to improving the delivery of care to those with chronic kidney disease. Due to the efforts and the advocacy of the NKFW, no resident of Wisconsin is denied access to treatment for end stage renal failure.
From the very early days, the NKFW has been instrumental in impacting change. The National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin’s volunteers have mobilized time and again to support Wisconsin legislation and other key initiatives that have been beneficial to kidney patients and their families.
Such landmarks include:
- The Social Security Amendments Act of 1972: Medicare Entitlement Program to pay for dialysis and transplant costs of end-stage renal disease patients.
- The Anatomical Gift in Wisconsin: Uniform Donor Card authorization on the back of the Wisconsin Driver’s license.
- Assembly Bill 1210 created the Wisconsin Chronic Renal Disease program to provide financial aid to kidney patients in Wisconsin.
- Implementation of a special state income tax deduction for any living donor of up to $10,000 for donation-related expenses.
You Can Help Us Create a Brighter Future
The history of the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin is woven with countless stories of hope, compassion and positive change. Our focus remains on the future – improving care for those living with kidney disease, increasing the number of organs available for transplantation and preventing kidney disease in all who are at-risk. Your gift of $50 or more will be used locally to support new innovative programs and services, advocacy, and research.
