At the Early Kidney Detection Foundation (EKDF), our mission is to raise awareness about kidney health and provide vital resources for those affected by kidney disease. Kidney disease often goes unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages, making early detection and education critical for improving outcomes.
This vision has driven our founder and CEO, Carmel Foster, to advocate for change and champion resources that address kidney health across California, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Jose, San Diego, and Sacramento. As part of our ongoing efforts, we are working to expand these resources across even more communities throughout California, ensuring that individuals in every region have access to the support they need.
The Importance of Kidney Health: A Rising Concern
Kidney disease affects millions of people in California, a state that is home to diverse communities with varying levels of access to healthcare. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often referred to as a “silent disease” because it can develop without noticeable symptoms until it’s too late. For many, the only options available once the disease progresses are dialysis or a kidney transplant. However, by raising awareness and offering support, we can help individuals prevent or delay the onset of severe kidney damage.
At EKDF, we believe that prevention is possible with proper education and early detection. Our goal is not only to help individuals understand kidney disease but also to offer resources and support tailored to specific communities, such as those in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, and Sacramento.
Carmel Foster’s Vision for Kidney Health
The vision of Carmel Foster and the EKDF team is rooted in personal experience and a deep commitment to community health. Carmel’s journey into kidney health advocacy began with the challenges her family faced due to polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The loss of her mother and the health struggles of her sister, who underwent a kidney transplant, have driven her to ensure that others do not face the same struggles without the support they need.
Carmel’s dedication has shaped EKDF into a powerful voice for kidney health. From her tireless work lobbying for legislation such as HR 5027 to her advocacy for kidney disease education in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, and Sacramento, Carmel’s vision has always been clear: to provide a strong support network for individuals at risk of kidney disease and ensure they have access to resources for early detection and caregiver support.
EKDF’s Impact Across California Cities
The need for kidney health resources in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, and Sacramento is growing as more people are diagnosed with kidney disease. In response, EKDF is working on several initiatives to provide localized support and raise awareness of kidney disease.
Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, EKDF is providing support for individuals struggling with kidney disease through educational events and collaborations with local healthcare providers. We emphasize the importance of early kidney disease detection and dialysis support to help people better understand their health and make informed decisions.
San Francisco
EKDF is proud to serve the San Francisco community by focusing on chronic kidney disease awareness and kidney transplant resources. We work closely with local health organizations to offer practical support for those undergoing dialysis, as well as provide information about potential transplant options.
San Jose
In San Jose, our efforts center on spreading awareness of kidney disease, providing resources for kidney patients, and fostering community support. Through education and advocacy, we aim to improve the health outcomes of those at risk of kidney disease, empowering individuals to take control of their health.
San Diego
San Diego is a focal point for our kidney disease care initiatives. We engage with local residents through workshops and events that cover everything from early detection to dialysis care. Our mission is to make sure that no one faces kidney disease without understanding their options for care.
Sacramento
As the heart of EKDF’s operations, Sacramento plays a vital role in spreading the message of kidney disease prevention and early detection. EKDF’s efforts here are grounded in our commitment to raising awareness and ensuring that those in the Sacramento area have access to crucial kidney disease care and support networks.
The Role of Kidney Disease Support and Education
At EKDF, we believe in the power of education to change the trajectory of kidney disease. Early detection is a game-changer, and we strive to provide the tools necessary to identify kidney issues before they become life-threatening.
We are also committed to caregiver support, recognizing the significant role caregivers play in the lives of those with kidney disease. From understanding the complexities of dialysis to supporting kidney transplant recipients, caregivers are an essential part of the kidney health community. EKDF offers training programs to help caregivers in California cities like San Jose, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and beyond.
A Vision for the Future
Looking forward, Carmel Foster’s vision for EKDF remains focused on one goal: improving the health outcomes of individuals at risk of chronic kidney disease. Through education, early detection, and strong community support, EKDF is committed to making a lasting impact in California’s most at-risk communities, ensuring that individuals in San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, and Los Angeles have the resources they need to lead healthier lives.
As EKDF continues to grow, we will build on Carmel’s legacy of advocacy and support, driving the change necessary to improve kidney health for generations to come.
Call to Action:
If you or a loved one is at risk for kidney disease, or if you are interested in joining our efforts, please contact us today. Together, we can build a healthier future. Visit our website at ekdf.org for more information on how to get involved or to learn more about kidney disease prevention.