EAST TENNESSEE KIDNEY FOUNDATION

100% LOCAL – 100% INDEPENDENT

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EVENTS

PROGRAMS

WHAT IS KIDNEY DISEASE?

BRINGING VITAL KIDNEY
CARE TO EAST TENNESSEE

Our Mission

East Tennessee Kidney Foundation, Inc.β„’ (ETKF) is a non-profit organization committed to enhancing the lives of East Tennesseans through early detection of kidney disease, education, and access to vital care. ETKF proudly operates independently and is 100% LOCAL. We are not affiliated with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF).

All funds raised by ETKF remain in our community, directly supporting local individuals battling kidney disease. As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, ETKF channels all resources towards fulfilling our mission, ensuring no profits are dispersed to shareholders. Our funding sources include donations, grants, and various fundraising initiatives.

The total number of Tennesseans living with kidney failure has increased by 27% since 2011

Rock Out For A Cause

TheΒ Trans-Siberian Orchestra is coming to Knoxville with their electrifying holiday show,Β The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – The Best of TSO & More!


Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center

November 19, 2025
ο€—
Showtime: 7:00 PM
Here’s the best part: For every ticket sold, $1.00 will be donated to the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation to support local dialysis patients right here in our community.

Grab your tickets now and make your holiday season unforgettable β€” while helping neighbors in need!

East Tennessee Kidney Foundation Nominated for a 2026 Community Impact of the Year – Best of Blount Award

We are honored to be nominated for theΒ Community Impact Award – Organization of the YearΒ in Blount County. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to improving the lives of individuals living with kidney disease across East Tennessee. Through our programs and partnerships, the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation has provided essential support to over 120 dialysis patients in Blount County, offering transportation assistance, nutritional supplements, and vital dental assistance. This nomination is a testament to the power of compassion, collaboration, and community in helping our neighbors live healthier, more fulfilling lives in Blount County.

Our Programs

The East Tennessee Kidney Foundation, Inc.β„’ provides direct, local support to kidney patients in East Tennessee through three life-improving programs. These include assistance with transportation to life-saving dialysis treatments, free high-protein nutritional supplements for dialysis patients across 25 East Tennessee counties, and low-cost dental care to help patients qualify for the kidney transplant waiting list.

DIANNE HAGEY DIALYSIS TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
NUTRITIONAL
SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM
DENTAL ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM
BLOUNT COUNTY DENTAL
HEALTH COLLABORATION PROGRAM
EAST TENNESSEE KIDNEY FOUNDATION VEHICLE DONATION PROGRAM

Volunteer Your Ride

We are now accepting donations of cars, boats, RVs, and motorcycles. The funds your vehicle can raise for us are worth so much to the individuals and families that we serve. Your donations will also help us provide information and education on the prevention of kidney disease.

To help us speed up your vehicle donation, please answer the questions below. You can call 865-288-7351 for assistance or additional information.

Tennesseans Living With Kidney Failure

Tennesseans On Dialysis

Tennesseans Living With a Kidney Transplant

BRINGING VITAL KIDNEY CARE TO EAST TENNESSEE

Community Impact

Each year, ETKF serves over 1,500 local East Tennesseans affected by kidney disease. Our operations rely solely on grants, donations (monetary and in-kind), fundraisers, and the unwavering support of our community.

Your contributions enable us to continue our vital work in supporting kidney disease patients across East Tennessee. At ETKF, we deeply appreciate your support, which is crucial in our mission to enhance the quality of life for all those affected by kidney disease in our community.

Upcoming Events

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS EVE CONCERT

November 19, 2025

GOLFING FOR KIDNEYS

September 17, 2026

LUCKY KIDNEY RUN

March 14, 2026

KNOX SHAMROCK FEST

March 14, 2026

Knox Shamrock Festβ„’ & the Lucky Kidney Run

Our flagship event, Knox Shamrock Festβ„’, is a beloved St. Patrick’s Day celebration held annually at World’s Fair Park Performance Lawn in downtown Knoxville. Featuring the Lucky Kidney Run (6k and 2k walk options), this event has grown into a regional weekend attraction for families, coinciding with Kidney Disease Awareness Month each March.

Affiliations & Memberships

Over 2,600 Tennesseans are on the kidney transplant waiting list

“Powering Our Mission Together”

How YOU Can Help: Become A Donor Today

A single decision to become a donor can change everything for someone living with kidney disease.Β Tennessee Donor Services’ β€œTypes of Donation” page shows how living and deceased kidney donors give the ultimate gift β€” a chance at renewed health, more time with loved ones, and a brighter future. Every kidney given is more than a medical gift; it’s an act of hope, compassion, and life-saving generosity that leaves a lasting legacy.