A Niagara Falls ceremony marked Donate Life Month with a flag raising and stories from recipients and donors highlighting the impact of organ donation. See story from WGRZ.

National Donate Life Month, observed each April, is about the importance of registering your decision to be a donor, honoring deceased and living donors, and celebrating the lives they saved. It is the generosity of donors and donor families that makes saving lives through transplantation possible. Kidneys are the most frequently transplanted organ, but there are many more people in need than there are organs available. More than 100,000 people are waiting on the national tra

March is National Kidney Month, a time to raise awareness about kidney health and the urgent need for living donors. As of September 2024, nearly 90,000 people were waiting for a kidney, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. For patients like West Seneca resident Nichole Jenson, finding a donor is a chance at a full life. See the story from Pheben Kassahun at WKBW: https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/southtowns/west-seneca-woman-raising-awareness-for

BATAVIA, N.Y. — A dialysis clinic in Batavia is set to close in June, forcing patients to find new locations for their life-saving treatments. Patients got a letter this month notifying them of the closure. The closest clinic accepting new patients is about a 30-minute drive away. Coverage from WHEC News 10 NBC: https://www.whec.com/top-news/batavia-dialysis-clinic-closure-leaves-patients-searching-for-new-options/

Each March, communities around the world unite to raise awareness about kidney health through World Kidney Day , a global effort to highlight the importance of early detection and prevention. On March 12, 2026 , the Kidney Foundation of Western New York will once again join this international movement, helping local residents better understand their kidney health and how everyday factors influence long-term wellness. Western New York has a unique perspective in this conve

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health has announced plans to consolidate its dialysis services by merging its Lake Plains Dialysis in Medina with Lake Plains Dialysis-Batavia, effective March 31. This strategic move will bring all dialysis services under one roof in Batavia, enhancing sustainability, efficiency and long-term access to high-quality, life-sustaining care for patients across the region, the hospital said in a press release from Scott Robinson, director of marketing.

More Americans need a kidney transplant than any other organ. When kidneys fail, people must rely on dialysis treatments or receive a kidney transplant to survive. A transplant from a living donor offers the best chance for a longer, healthier life. Rachel Kijek-Miller of Hamburg is one of 8,000 New Yorkers waiting for a kidney transplant. She is working with the transplant team at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC). To help share her story, her family contacted the Kidney Fou

Shaina Griffin of Portville, NY, recently became an altruistic organ donor, giving a kidney to a complete stranger. She told the Olean Times Herald that she knew how important a kidney can be to someone who is in need -- her brother received a kidney from their mother in 2007 and another from their father in 2015. Read the full article from the Olean Times Herald at https://www.oleantimesherald.com/2026/01/24/portville-mother-business-owner-becomes-living-kidney-donor/

Nichole Jenson of West Seneca needs a kidney transplant and is hoping to find a living kidney donor. She’s working with the transplant center at ECMC. Nichole loves animals, especially her dog Bella and cat Alley. She enjoys painting, creating stained glass and making jewelry. “I’ve always loved to craft but lately it has been my way to decompress from so much going on in my life,” she said. Nichole has faced a long and complicated health journey, including 10 major surge

Melanie Anderson first received a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 2022. Like many people with CKD, Melanie’s kidney problems can’t be attributed to a single cause. “My condition has worsened over the years, even with a strict diet and constant medications,” she said. Now, she needs a kidney transplant.

A billboard is a great way to spread the word about the need for a living donor! Joseph's family worked with Lamar Advertising of Buffalo to share his need. "Joseph likes to golf, loves his grandkids, needs a kidney," the billboard notes. "Make a difference, call ECMC (716) 898-4931." The graphic also includes the URL transplantinfo.com , a website that hosts quick and clear videos about kidney transplantation. People dealing with kidney disease can watch videos like " Can I

Snowy season has begun and it's important that people on dialysis are prepared for storms and more. The Kidney Community Emergency Response Coalition has created checklists you can use to make sure you're ready.

Today is World Diabetes Day, an important reminder that diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. About 1 out of 3 adults with diabetes has kidney disease. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) explains that diabetes is a disease that occurs when blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Diabetes can cause damage to the eyes, kidneys, heart, and nerves. It is linked to an increased risk of stroke and some types of cance

Philip Bellis of Forestville, NY, is in need of a kidney donor. He has type O blood and is listed with the transplant center at ECMC. Phil is a 43-year-old father of five who adores spending time with his family.

Rachel Kijek-Miller of Hamburg needs a kidney transplant. She has type A blood and is listed with ECMC. Rachel is an animal lover. She enjoys cooking, entertaining and spending time with family.

David Carberry lives in Hamburg, NY. He has blood type “AB” and is waiting for a kidney transplant. He shared his story with the Kidney Connection: I grew up in Woodlawn/Blasdell in Hamburg, NY, went to Frontier High School and graduated in 1999.

On Oct. 22, the New York State Department of Health announced the launch of the Living Donor Support Program. It is intended to help cover eligible expenses associated with the living donation process. Approximately 8,000 New Yorkers are living with organ failure and are waiting for a lifesaving transplant. Most – about 7,000 – have kidney failure. The fund, operated by the New York State Department of Health, can pay up to $14,000 for certain expenses related to the living

Governor Kathy Hochul signed the HEART (Helping Equal Access to Registrations for Transplants) Act on Friday, repealing an outdated New York law prohibiting multi-listing at transplant centers in the state. The ban dated back to 1990. New York has long been the only state with such a restriction.

PKD is a form of chronic kidney disease that reduces kidney function and may lead to kidney failure. PKD can cause other complications, such as high blood pressure, cysts in the liver, and problems with blood vessels in the brain and heart.