The American Kidney Fund was founded in 1971, to help a single individual with kidney failure pay for dialysis. Thirty-six years later, AKF has become the leading source of direct financial aid to chronic kidney disease patients across the nation. Nearly one-fifth of dialysis patients in the United States received assistance from AKF last year. In 2006, AKF served more than 63,500 patients, distributing $81.9 million in grants. AKF is also a leader in providing education and outreach to people with, and at risk for, kidney disease. For more information, visit www.kidneyfund.org.