Thank you for your interest in the National Kidney Foundation of Northeast New York’s Gift of Life Celebration.  The Gift of Life Celebration, now in its fifth year, is a time to celebrate the work of the National Kidney Foundation and pay tribute to the individuals and organizations that work so hard to improve the lives of those affected by kidney disease and organ donation throughout our 18 county territory.  For the second time, the Gift of Life Celebration will be held at the prestigious Saratoga National Golf Course in Sargo’s Restaurant, providing a four star dining experience. 

Proceeds from the Gift of Life Celebration help the thousands of patients in the Northeast suffering from kidney and urinary diseases and also help to raise public awareness about its causes and treatments.  It also helps us to raise awareness about the dramatic need for organ donation, and pay tribute to organ donors and their families.  We are pleased that this year’s honorees will include:

Edwin Sperber Legacy Award (new this year!):
     Edwin Sperber, Huck Finn's Warehouse

Contributions to Healthcare:
    Glens Falls Hospital

Kim M. Healy Board Leadership Award:
     Benita Zahn, NewsChannel 13

Volunteerism:
     Anita, William & Patrick Emery, Catskill, NY

Kidney disease is a major health problem.  More than 26 million American adults are affected by kidney disease and another 20 million more are at risk – most don’t know it.  Diabetes and hypertension are the two leading causes, accounting for 71% of those with complete kidney failure.  Currently, there are 400,000 individuals in the U.S. receiving dialysis treatment (2000 in the Northeast New York area), at an average cost of $65,000 per person per year.  If current trends continue, it is anticipated that this number will reach over 600,000 people by the year 2010.  Your sponsorship of this year’s Gift of Life Kidney Celebration will help the National Kidney Foundation expand patient and community services, provide education for the public and the medical profession, support research programs, and continue community screening and outreach efforts that can lead to early intervention and prevention.  You will be making a sound investment in the work of the National Kidney Foundation of Northeast New York, as $.80 of every dollar raised in 2007 was expended directly for programs and services.  We hope you will join us for the 2008 Gift of Life Celebration.  Thank you for helping us to make lives better!   

Click here for sponsorship information and print a sponsorship form here.