ABOUT US
MISSION STATEMENT
The Early Kidney Detection Foundation (EKDF) is dedicated to promoting kidney health, raising awareness about kidney disease, and advancing early detection methods for better health outcomes. Our mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to protect their kidney health, prevent kidney disease, and improve overall well-being.
CAGE Code: 9YVV5
Unique Entity Identifier (UI): D97GBMZEPKA3
VISION STATEMENT
The Early Kidney Detection Foundation (EKDF) dreams of a future free from the shadow of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this ideal world, we envision a society with widespread awareness of CKD. Everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, would understand the risk factors, symptoms, and critical importance of early detection. Accessible screening programs would become the norm, ensuring CKD is identified in its earliest stages.
VALUES
Early Kidney Detection Foundation (EKDF) Values
- Patient Focus: Prioritizing the well-being of individuals with CKD through education, support, and resources.
- Prevention and Early Detection: Advocating for early detection of CKD to manage it effectively.
- Community Engagement: Collaborating with healthcare professionals, organizations, and individuals to combat CKD.
- Research Advocacy: Supporting research for better diagnostics, treatments, and a cure for CKD.
- Integrity and Transparency: Commitment to ethical practices, responsible fundraising, and open communication.
- Equity and Inclusivity: Ensuring programs and resources are accessible to all communities.
Capability Statement
Early Kidney Detection Foundation (EKDF)
Overview: The Early Kidney Detection Foundation (EKDF) is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to promoting kidney health through early detection, education, advocacy, and support. We focus on empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge and resources needed to prevent kidney disease and improve overall well-being.
Core Competencies:
- Education and Awareness: Delivering comprehensive kidney health education programs and awareness campaigns to communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers.
- Early Detection Programs: Implementing innovative screening and early detection initiatives to identify kidney disease at its earliest stages, improving health outcomes.
- Advocacy and Policy Influence: Championing legislative efforts and policies that support kidney health, patient rights, and caregiver protections.
- Caregiver Training: Providing specialized training for non-medical caregivers, particularly in kidney care, to enhance patient support and improve care quality.
- Support Services: Offering resources, counseling, and support for individuals affected by kidney disease and their families.
Past Performance:
- Successfully trained SEIU 2015 caregivers with a 100% pass rate across all 50 states.
- Played a pivotal role in the passing of California Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), ensuring fair treatment and proper classification of domestic workers.
- Actively supported HR 5027, engaging with congressional members in Washington, D.C., to advocate for better kidney health policies.
Differentiators:
- Leadership: Led by Carmel Foster, a dedicated advocate with extensive experience in kidney health, caregiving, and legislative work.
- Personal Connection: Deep personal commitment to kidney health, driven by family history and caregiving experience.
- Comprehensive Approach: Combining education, early detection, advocacy, and support to address kidney health holistically.
- Proven Impact: Demonstrated success in training, legislative advocacy, and community engagement.
CAGE Code: 9YVV5
(UI): D97GBMZEPKA3
OUR TEAM
Carmel M. Foster’s caregiving journey began with a personal connection to kidney disease, inspired by her experience caring for a client who had a kidney transplant, managed diabetes, and survived triple bypass surgery. This led her to establish the Early Kidney Detection Foundation (EKDF), focusing on promoting kidney health and early detection. As CEO, Carmel has been instrumental in advancing kidney disease support and detection, particularly through her efforts to pass H.R. 5027, which aims to enhance kidney screening in Medicare wellness benefits and expand the Medicare Kidney Disease Education benefit.
Beyond kidney health, Carmel champions the rights of domestic workers. She played a key role in passing California Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), which reclassified many independent contractors as employees, granting them labor protections such as minimum wage, overtime pay, and workers’ compensation. Additionally, Carmel serves as a certified Kidney Coach, providing guidance and support to individuals affected by kidney disease, helping them understand their condition and adopt healthier lifestyles. She is also an advocate for the Living Donor Protection Act S.1384, which aims to protect living organ donors from discrimination in areas such as insurance and employment, further supporting kidney health initiatives nationwide.
Eunice Foster brings invaluable expertise to the EKDF’s non-executive board. Her journey with polycystic kidney disease and a kidney transplant from a deceased donor nineteen years ago drives her advocacy for early detection and accessible treatments. As Board Secretary, Eunice ensures meticulous documentation and clear communication among members.
Her support for HR 5027 and the Living Donor Protection Act S.1384 aligns with EKDF’s mission to improve transplant accessibility and advance research. Eunice’s international perspective enriches discussions on healthcare disparities, benefiting both the foundation and global communities. A certified Kidney Coach, she enhances her ability to educate and support those affected by kidney disease.
Eunice’s dedication and innovation propel EKDF’s mission, underscoring its impact on global renal health challenges.
OUR PARTNERS
CAGE Code: 9YVV5 * Unique Entity Identifier (UI): D97GBMZEPKA3