American Kidney Fund's Fourth Annual Gala, "The Hope Affair" Brings The Renal Community Together On October 17, 2012

Event Honors Patients and Caregivers, Celebrating the People Who Inspire Us in the Fight Against Kidney Disease

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Kidney Fund's fourth annual national gala, The Hope Affair, will take place Wednesday, October 17, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. The event, themed "All Things Are Possible," will honor three remarkable individuals: a dialysis patient, a caregiver and the American Kidney Fund's "Calendar Kids" Art Contest winner. For the second year in a row, Washington's FOX 5 news anchor, Shawn Yancy, will serve as the evening's emcee. This year's featured keynote speaker will be Alan Hobson, Mount Everest climber and cancer survivor.

"The Hope Affair is a special time for the American Kidney Fund as we bring together the national renal community and policymakers to celebrate inspiring individuals who bring our mission to life," said LaVarne A. Burton, president and chief executive officer of the American Kidney Fund. "This is a time to celebrate those who inspire us to continue in the fight against kidney disease and an opportunity to highlight the programs and services supported by funds raised through the gala."

The evening's honorees are:

• 'Hero of Hope' Award: Eric Dolby, Sr.
• 'Caregiver of the Year' Award: Debbie Nutt
• 'Calendar Kids Cover Artist' Award: Amelia Rowniewski

In his keynote address, international bestselling author and worldwide adventurer Alan Hobson will share his personal experience that demonstrates all things are possible. Three years after reaching the summit of Mount Everest, Hobson was diagnosed with an aggressive blood cancer and given less than a year to live. He not only survived, but thrived.

Funds raised through The Hope Affair contribute directly to the programs and services provided by the American Kidney Fund. The eighth-leading cause of death in the United States, kidney disease affects an estimated 31 million Americans, with millions more at risk. Last year, the American Kidney Fund provided more than $190 million in direct financial assistance to nearly 90,000 dialysis patients across the nation, and through its national campaign, Pair Up: Join the Fight to Prevent Kidney Disease, provided 22,000 Americans with a free kidney disease screening in 22 cities nationwide and distributed 2.2 million pieces of educational material.

The Hope Affair's 2012 Platinum level sponsor is American Renal Associates. Diamond level sponsors include Affymax, Inc. and Takeda Pharmaceuticals, U.S.A., Inc., and Amgen. The Gold level sponsor is Sanofi. A full sponsor listing, along with complete details on the event, can be found at www.thehopeaffair.org.

For more information about the American Kidney Fund, visit www.kidneyfund.org.

About the American Kidney Fund

The mission of the American Kidney Fund is to fight kidney disease through direct financial support to patients in need; health education; and prevention efforts. The American Kidney Fund leads the nation in providing charitable assistance to dialysis patients who need help with the costs associated with treating kidney failure. Last year, 90,000 people—nearly 1 out of every 4 dialysis patients in the United States—received assistance from the American Kidney Fund for health insurance premiums and other treatment-related expenses. Millions of people nationwide benefit annually from the American Kidney Fund's efforts to fight kidney disease through health education and prevention efforts. The American Kidney Fund's national campaign, Pair Up: Join the Fight to Prevent Kidney Disease, empowers women to protect themselves—and the people they love—from kidney disease. The American Kidney Fund offers free kidney health screenings in communities nationwide, as well as extensive online health education materials and courses and a toll-free health information HelpLine (866.300.2900).

As a 10-time recipient of the top "Four Star" rating from Charity Navigator, the American Kidney Fund is ranked among the top 1 percent of charities nationwide for fiscal accountability. In addition, the American Kidney Fund holds an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy; adheres to the National Health Council Standards of Excellence; and is a member of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. For more information, visit www.kidneyfund.org.

SOURCE American Kidney Fund