Patient Services

Camp Shining Stars- For over 20 years, the National Kidney Foundation of Southeast Texas, Inc. has proudly sponsored a summer camp for children with kidney disease called Camp Shining Stars. This year's camp will be held August 10 - 15 at Camp for All in Burton, Texas. Camp Shining Stars offers children with kidney disease, kidney cancer and kidney transplants a weeklong escape from the watchful care of their parents to enjoy the wonders of canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, arts and crafts and many other exciting activities. Camp Shining Stars is one of only six camps of its type in the United States that services the needs of children with kidney disease. This year, children from all over the State of Texas and Louisiana will be coming to Camp Shining Stars for a week of fun and friendship.

To volunteer for Camp Shining stars, or for a camper application, please call the National Kidney Foundation of Southeast Texas at 713-952-5499 or toll free 800-961-5683.

ESRD (End Stage Renal Disease) Support Group- Patients receive direct support via monthly support group meetings held every third Thursday at the Foundation office.

Emergency Financial Assistance Program - Kidney patients on hemodialysis must spend several hours a day, 3 - 4 times a week, at a dialysis unit. For this reason, many are unable to hold regular jobs and their Medicare payments are seldom enough to cover medication costs and other daily living expenses. To help kidney patients meet their financial obligations, the NKF sponsors an Emergency Financial Assistance Program that allows patients to apply for a once a year, $100 grant for medication and other expenses.

For information, or to apply for financial assistance, contact the National Kidney Foundation of Southeast Texas at 713-952-5499 or toll free 800-961-5683

Patient Symposium- The Patient Symposium is an interactive educational program for patients and their families aimed at improving the quality of life for people with kidney disease and providing information on issues relevant to their daily lives. The Southeast Texas Affiliate's Patient Symposium is the most well-attended of all the Patient Symposia held nationwide and recently expanded to include an all-day session for Spanish-speaking patients.

For individuals interested in learning more about the program, or registering for the symposium, please call the NKFSET at 713-952-5499.

Medic Alert Jewelry- In addition, kidney patients who have other medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, are entitled to receive free medic alert ID jewelry through the foundation office.

To request information on the Medic Alert Jewelry program, contact the National Kidney Foundation of Southeast Texas at 713-952-5499 or toll free 800-961-5683.

Patient and Family Council-

For 20,000 patients and family members, the National Kidney Foundation's Patient and Family Council (PFC) is a lifeline to support and educational opportunities. Now celebrating its fifth anniversary, the PFC is the nation's fastest growing and largest patient organization currently serving those with kidney disease and their families. PFC membership is free and open to all patients, concerned family members, friends and health care workers interested in learning more about kidney disease.

With the guiding philosophy of empowering patients to take control of their lives, PFC is a leading advocate for patient rights and education. Quarterly newsletters, an interactive website and grass roots programs keep members informed about important medical and legislative issues. The Knowledge, Choice, Control Educational Program, held several times throughout the year, draws participants from across the country to meet with other patients and family members to network and share stories, as well as learn about key issues related to kidney disease. Currently, PFC is in the process of developing the first-ever Patient's Bill of Rights for people with chronic kidney disease to be distributed to dialysis centers across the country.

National Donor Family Council - The National Donor Family Council was founded in 1992 as the "Home for Donor Families." Comprised of donor family members and professionals, the National Donor Family Council supports the needs and expectations of all organ and tissue donor families and assists the health care professionals who work most closely with these families. The Council works collaboratively with all organizations in the transplant, bereavement, and professional communities. Through dedicated service to the families of those who gave the gift of life, the Council provides a strong, unified voice in meeting their needs and providing a safe haven as they learn to live without the ones they love.

Transaction Council - The Transaction council is where transplant recipients of all organs come together to make lives better for recipients and candidates.