For Patients & Families: Find Support
find
support
caring communities
you are not alone
Contending with the challenges posed by a diagnosis of kidney disease can seem overwhelming. It is a struggle for patients, their loved ones, and caretakers. It is not, however, a struggle anyone has to go through alone.
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois is committed to connecting patients and families to helping hands and shoulders to lean on. Please explore the following resources to find information about on-line and in-person support.
patient hotline: NKF cares
we're here to help
The NKFI is proud to support NKF Cares, a patient service hotline managed by our national office in New York focused on connecting families to resources, information, and emotional support.
This patient information help line is staffed by trained specialists who are on hand to offer help and support for patients, family members, and care partners who have been affected by kidney disease, organ donation or transplantation.
Call now to connect to care.
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Operators speak English and Spanish
call toll - free
1 (855) NKF - CARES || 1 (855) 653 - 2273
e-mail NKF cares
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Assistance is available:
Monday - Friday
9:00am - 5:00pm, Eastern Time
find a peer mentor
talk to someone who has been there
Talk with a trained peer mentor who can share their experiences about dialysis, transplant, or living kidney donation with you.
After you submit your request, you will speak with a specialist from our national office in New York who will ask you a few quick questions in order to match you with the right mentor.
Your mentor will call you within one week through our toll-free automated telephone system. No one discloses their personal phone numbers, or incurs long-distance charges. Your mentor will only call you during the hours that you are available. The automated telephone system blocks calls at all other hours. Telephone services are provided free-of-charge by the NKF.
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to find a mentor, call:
(855) 653 - 7337 || (855) NKF - PEER
or fill out an online form by clicking below
NKF Peer Mentor Application
online communities
a welcoming space on the web
If you prefer finding support on the internet, consider exploring a National Kidney Foundation online community.
Each NKF community group has a slightly different focus, and each offers a safe and supportive space for patients and caregivers to share their experiences, ask questions, and get answers related to kidney health, kidney disease, transplantation and living organ donation.
You are more than welcome to post in as many groups as you like. It is free to join, and if you prefer, you may participate anonymously.
support groups
connect locally
The following groups offer community-based support to patients, families, and caretakers touched by kidney disease. Attend these gatherings to connect with neighboring families facing challenges similar to yours, learn from each other's experiences, and find the support you need.
7 County Kidney Patients Support Group
Brenden Gardens,
Conference Room
900 Southwind Road,
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 891-2981
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Chicagoland Kidney Support Group
Loyola University Medical Center,
Stritch School of Medicine
2160 S. First Avenue, Room 150, Maywood, IL 60153
(708) 240 - 3051
NKFM Family Support Group
Virtual
For families, caregivers, and loved ones of children with kidney disease & transplants
Meets third Tuesday of every month, 7:00pm Eastern (6:00pm Central)
Organ Transplant Support
Good Samaritan Wellness Center
3551 Highland Avenue,
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Meets first Friday of every month, 6:00pm - 8:00 pm
Second Chance Transplant Group
OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center
1400 W. Park Street,
Urbana, IL 61801
Meets at 6:00pm on the 1st Tuesday of every month
NKFI kidney health resources
The information shared on this website has been reviewed by staff at the New York City headquarters of the National Kidney Foundation. Please note: material contained here are intended solely for reference. This material does not constitute medical advice; it is intended for informational purposes only. If you feel you need professional medical care, please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations.