American Kidney Fund Named as One of "Best Charities" by Reader's Digest

10/27/2003

From: Sandra Palmer of the American Kidney Fund, 301-984-6657

ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 27 -- The American Kidney Fund has been named as one of the 12 "Best Charities" in the U.S., in the November 2003 issue of Reader's Digest. A voluntary health organization providing direct assistance to kidney patients, their families and caregivers, the Fund was named best charity in the Health category. Reader's Digest put together its list based upon information provided by independent organizations that investigate and rate charities (such as CharityNavigator.org and Give.org).

American Kidney Fund Executive Director Karen Sendelback said, "We are very proud to be recognized by such a prestigious publication as Reader's Digest as a nonprofit organization that can be trusted with the giving public's contributions. Ninety-five cents of every dollar the Fund receives, goes directly to our programs. We understand that the greatest service we can perform for our patients and our supporters is to be fiscally responsible - and we have made it a priority."

The American Kidney Fund was founded in 1971 to enable one kidney patient to receive kidney dialysis treatment. In 2002, the Fund provided direct financial assistance to more than 42,000 low-income kidney patients throughout the United States. The Fund's program areas include children's programs, patient aid, minority outreach, organ donor education, and no-cost prescription medicines.

The American Kidney Fund is our nation's leading voluntary health organization serving people with and at risk for kidney disease through direct financial assistance, comprehensive education, clinical research and community service programs.