Our Background

The Kidney Foundation of Laredo was co-founded by the late Angela Borchers and Patsy Sanditen in 1977. The agency began as a chapter of the National Kidney Foundation from 1977 to 1981 but withdrew its membership because proceeds were being sent out of town. In 1981, it was reformed and became known as the Kidney Foundation of Laredo. The Foundation receives no funding from the state or national agencies. At present time, it has 27 members. All raised funds are locally spent amongst Laredo’s eleven dialysis clinics. As of this year, there are nearly 900 patients with end-stage kidney disease receiving care at these facilities.

Dialysis patients usually require treatments 3 times a week. Each therapy can last anywhere from 3 to 5 hours. Few patients are fortunate enough to have work schedules that are flexible to allow them time to receive treatment. However, the majority of patients are unable to continue to work. Most patients are retired and or live on fixed incomes. The Kidney Foundation of Laredo is specifically geared to help these individuals.

Our Mission

Dialysis Patients have unique circumstances, which result in tremendous financial strain. The Kidney Foundation of Laredo’s Mission is to assist patients to allow them to receive optimal medical care.

Funds are allocated to provide assistance as follows:

Transportation is provided to and from treatment facilities and transportation for renal transplant evaluation (usually out of town)

Temporary funding for the expense of treatment (until Medicare coverage is available)

Coverage of pharmaceuticals

Distribution of nutritional supplements