National Kidney Foundation Statement on Selena Gomez and Living Organ Donation

NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "On behalf of National Kidney Foundation (NKF), we would like to extend our heartfelt support to Ms. Selena Gomez as she continues on her path towards kidney health.  The news of her kidney transplant, and the selfless gift of life donated by her friend, Francia Raisa, gives all people waiting on a transplant hope."    

"More than 100,000 Americans are waiting on a kidney transplant right now.  But many kidney patients never get a transplant because they are afraid to ask their family members and friends for help. Ms. Gomez's brave public acknowledgement of the battle she's privately faced gives strength to others to follow her lead."

"If you or a loved one need help finding a living donor, let National Kidney Foundation help.  NKF's THE BIG ASK: THE BIG GIVE program is free to patients and professionals and helps patients who have difficulty asking someone to consider a kidney donation (THE BIG ASK) and potential donors (THE BIG GIVE).  The program provides factual, unbiased information addressing common concerns and offers support in making a decision about living kidney donation. Visit www.kidney.org/livingdonation."

"This year, only about 19,000 people will receive the kidney transplant they're hoping for; and one-third of those will come from living donors. Living organ donation saves lives." 

"Anyone who has received a kidney transplant from a living donor or who has donated a kidney is encouraged to share their story using the hashtag #BigAskBigGive."

Kidney Disease Facts
30 million American adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease—and most aren't aware of it.  1 in 3 American adults are at risk for chronic kidney disease.  Risk factors for kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and family history of kidney failure.  People of African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian or Pacific Islander descent are at increased risk for developing the disease.  African Americans are 3 times more likely than Whites, and Hispanics are nearly 1.5 times more likely than non-Hispanics to develop end stage renal disease (kidney failure).

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the largest, most comprehensive and longstanding organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease. For more information about NKF visit www.kidney.org.

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SOURCE National Kidney Foundation

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