Our Mission
East Tennessee Kidney Foundation, Inc.™ (ETKF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting individual East Tennesseans with early detection of kidney disease, education and access to life sustaining care.
Celebrating 15 Years of Of Bringing Kidney Care to East Tennessee
Tennesseans Are Living With Kidney Failure
Years of Service
Starting Out
Years ago, the East Tennessee region was served by a local kidney foundation that operated as an affiliate of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). This local foundation had its own board of directors, made independent decisions, and contributed a portion of its revenue to the national organization.
After discussions with NKF representatives, the local board chose to transition from an “affiliate” to a “division,” believing this change would strengthen resources and better serve kidney patients across East Tennessee.
However, within two years, the NKF made the difficult decision to close its Knoxville office due to financial challenges. This sudden closure left many local dialysis patients without the vital transportation assistance and support services they had depended on for years.
In response, a group of dedicated former board members, community supporters, and volunteers came together with one shared goal — to ensure that kidney patients in East Tennessee would always have access to the help they need. Within a week, they began the work of forming a new organization that would be entirely local and community-driven.
In March 2010, the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation (ETKF) was officially established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. From that day forward, we’ve remained proudly local — committed to serving, supporting, and standing beside the kidney patients of East Tennessee every step of the way.
Partnering with the Community
Shortly after the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation was established KenJo, one of the local community partners that had supported the original kidney foundation, reached out to help. Together Kenjo and the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation launched the KenJo Markets Coupon Book Campaign. Proceeds from the sale of these coupon books would go to the ETKF to help support their mission and fund programs to help residents of East Tennessee living with kidney disease.
In August 2011, after two years of fundraising with the Kenjo Markets Coupon Book Campaign, we were able to officially start our Dianne Hagey Dialysis Transportation Program. This program allowed us to help cover the costs of transportation to and from dialysis clinics for patients living with kidney disease. We started out by serving a couple dozen patients in a few counties. Now we are proud to be able to help approximately 250+ patients per month across 25 counties.
We also have grown to include a Dental Assistance Program as well as a Nutritional Supplement Program through grant funding and community support. One of our main supporters that made these new programs possible was the United Way. We are greatful to receive funding from 10 United Way Agencies, including Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne (Cumberland Trails United Way), Grainger, Jefferson, Knox (Greater Knoxville), Loudon, Roane and Union.
Our largest fundraiser is the Knox Shamrock Fest, which includes our annual Lucky Kidney 6K Run & 1 mile Fun Walk, and a family-friendly Irish Festival in World’s Fair Park, downtown Knoxville. The event is held each March to coincide with Kidney Disease Awareness Month. Knox Shamrock Fest™ has grown into a regional weekend destination event for the whole family.
Where We Are Headed
Since our founding in 2010, the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation (ETKF) has grown tremendously — from offering just one program to now providing four core programs that serve kidney patients across 25 counties in East Tennessee. Each of these programs was created with one purpose in mind: to make life a little easier for those battling kidney disease right here at home.
Our newest initiative, the Blount County Health Outreach Program, is helping us connect with even more patients and families in need. By working hand-in-hand with local health partners, clinics, and community organizations, we’re able to bring vital support, education, and resources directly to the people who need them most.
As we look to the future, ETKF is focused on expanding our programs, strengthening community partnerships, and reaching more East Tennesseans affected by kidney disease. We’re committed to growing our impact — not just in size, but in heart — by ensuring that every kidney patient feels supported, valued, and never alone on their journey.
Together, with our community, we’re building a healthier East Tennessee — one patient, one partnership, and one program at a time.
Please help us continue to support East Tennesseans living with kidney disease by donating today! Your donation is 100% local and goes directly to supporting our programs and patients.