National Kidney Foundation Marks 40 Years of Camp Chimer for Kids with Kidney Disease
Event summary
- National Kidney Foundation (NKF) celebrates the 40th anniversary of Camp Chimer, a summer camp for children with kidney disease.
- Camp Chimer was founded in 1986 by Dr. Bradley Warady and provides medically supervised activities for kids aged 9 to 18 on dialysis or post-transplant.
- The camp is offered at no cost to families, supported by donors, sponsors, and volunteers.
- The 40th anniversary celebration took place from July 31 to August 2, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri.
The big picture
Camp Chimer represents a unique intersection of medical care and social support for children with chronic kidney conditions. The program addresses both physical and emotional needs, setting a benchmark for specialized pediatric healthcare initiatives. As the demand for equitable access to quality kidney care grows, NKF's ability to sustain and scale such programs will be critical in shaping the future of chronic disease management.
What we're watching
- Sustainability of Funding
- Whether NKF can maintain the no-cost model for Camp Chimer amid potential shifts in donor support or economic conditions.
- Program Expansion
- The pace at which NKF may expand Camp Chimer to other regions, given its proven success and demand.
- Long-Term Impact
- How the camp's psychosocial support model will influence future generations of children with kidney disease as they transition into adulthood.