East Tennessee Kidney Foundation™ (ETKF)

ETKF assists low-income individuals suffering from kidney disease in East Tennessee.

ETKF was officially incorporated in the state of Tennessee in March 2010, in response to the National Kidney Foundation closing its East Tennessee office in 2009. Hundreds of people with kidney disease suddenly lost their financial assistance that NKF was providing, and they didn't know what to do. That's when concerned leaders in the community came together to form the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation™.

We are 100% LOCAL.

All funds raised by ETKF stay in our community! 

East Tennessee Kidney Foundation™ (ETKF)

ETKF assists low-income individuals suffering from kidney disease in all of East Tennessee. ETKF has several programs which provide financial assistance directly to patients to help with different needs:

Dianne Hagey Dialysis Transportation Program: ETKF's flagship program served its first patients in August 2011. This program provides $65 per month to pay for transportation to and from life-sustaining dialysis treatments. This program has served Roane County citizens since 2012 through Community Impact Grants from Roane County United Way. 

Nutritional Supplement Program: ETKF provides free high-protein supplements to dialysis patients in Roane County through a Community Grant from Akima Club. Protein bars are delivered annually to both dialysis clinics in Roane County. 

Dental Assistance Program: ETKF provides up to $2,000 for dental procedures for those whose last barrier to placement on the kidney transplant waiting list is dental clearance. ETKF works with regional Transplant Centers for referrals, and area dentists whom agree to perform procedures at significantly reduced rates.