Western PA Kidney
Support Groups

Research from Duke University suggest that advances in renal transplantation immunosuppression have resulted in fewer, less severe, and less progressive chronic tissue changes in the first five post-transplant years than has been reported in the past.

Check out this great promotion of donate life month with coverage of the parade at AGH featuring our own Jack Silverstein. See also Mike Currin and Eileen Pistelli in the background!

The Pittsburgh Tribune Review recently published an excellent series of articles. We encourage you to read the entire series!

Renal Support Network (RSN) is a nonprofit, patient-focused, patient-run organization that provides non-medical services to those affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). Learn more about us and our Programs and Services.

Second Chance at Life was founded in 2008 by Shelly Morell, and her mother, lung recipient Carol Mancini. Second Chance at Life is determined to provide financial assistance to transplant patients who are waiting for, receiving, or recovering from a transplant. We aim to fill a need for these services in Pennsylvania, and are supported by a board that includes dedicated individuals working together to improve the quality of life for transplant patients. Second Chance at Life is a 501(c)(3) organization funded by corporations and individuals. All funds go to support Pennsylvania residents who are transplant candidates, recipients, or living donors.

This website, created by Danone Research, guides visitors through the complex but vital functions of kidneys, explains why and how to keep kidneys healthy, and presents what happens when kidneys are at risk. Official partner of World Kidney Day, Danone Research, the Danone R&D community, is keen to raise public awareness on kidney health. This action is fully aligned with the company???s mission, which is to bring health through food to as many people as possible.

The Living Kidney Donors Network is a not-for-profit organization whose primary Mission is to educate people who need a kidney transplant about the living donation process and to prepare them to effectively communicate their need to family members and friends. In the past 10 years the kidney transplant waiting list has almost double to over 86,000 people. The number of kidneys available from deceased donors is unable to keep up with the demand. Increasing the number of living kidney donors is the only way to ever shorten or one day end the wait for a kidney transplant. The LKDN also trains dialysis and transplant social workers on how they can help their patients pursue living donation. The LKDN Community Outreach Initiative educates the public about the overwhelming need for kidney transplants and the positive impact that living kidney donation is having. This program is facilitated by volunteers, recipients and donors who want to help the LKDN achieve their goals.

Joslin Diabetes Center is teaming up with Keystone Health Club to present "I Can," a program to help people with diabetes to get healthier. Call Gail at 412-349-0777 for more info.

The mission of the American Kidney Fund is to fight kidney disease through direcgt financial support to patients in need; health education; and prevention efforts.

DPC is working to improve the quality of life for all dialysis patients through education and advocacy. They are a non-profit, patient-led dialysis organization with membership open only to dialysis and pre-dialysis patients and their families.

As the national transplant wait list has sky rocketed over 109,000, we are documenting our national endeavors in building awareness for organ and tissue donation and to encourage individuals to sign-u to be a donor. One will learn how they can make a difference and save lives in their home, school, workplace and community by inspiring others to become involved in eliminating deaths on the wait list and ultimately eliminating the wait list all together. As you and your members conduct donate life awareness events, please feel free to send us photos and stories so that we may share with the donation and transplant community

This is a multifaceted program from the National Kidney Foundation to reduce waiting times for transplants. Find out how you can help to "end the wait!"

Lora's blog on living donation and the transplant games accessed through the US Transplant Games website.

Transplants Receipients International Organization holds monthly meetings with speakers and support.

NxStage's home hemodialysis is an exciting option for patients with chronic kidney disease who want to enjoy more freedom and a better quality of life.

CORE is our area's organ procurement organization. They are working to encourage more paired kidney donations in our region.

The NKF is our advocate and partner in the fight against chronic renal disease.

If you or someone you love needs help in getting insurance coverage for needed medical care, prescriptions and more, contact the PA Health Law Project.