The NephCure Foundation

The NephCure Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1999. It is the only U.S. tax exempt 501 (c)(3) public charity committed exclusively to supporting research to identify the cause, improve the treatment, and find the cure of the two potentially debilitating kidney diseases, Nephrotic Syndrome and Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).^[1]

The NephCure Foundation seeks to reach its goal through education, raising awareness, and fundraising. It is the primary source of information on Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS.^[2]

The NephCure Foundation works with various public figures to increase awareness about Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS. The current NephCure ambassadors include NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning, House of Representatives member Jesse Jackson Jr., 1986 World Champion NEW yORK Mets member Ed Hearn, James Madison University star point guard Dawn Evans, Congressman Jim Gerlach, football player Gaylon Hyder, star of ABC’s All My Children Rebecca Budig, former National Football League star Herschel Walker, and NASCAR driver David Ragan.^[3] Teresa Giudice, of The Real Housewives of New Jersey fame, also raised money for the NephCure Foundation on The Celebrity Apprentice 5 (also known as The Apprentice 12), 2012.

Eighty-eight cents of every dollar raised is put towards vital programs including research, health and education. For instance, NephCure supports clinicians and researchers through the NephCure Foundation Grant Program and provides free Lunch and Learn Educational Seminars.^[4]^[5]

The NephCure Walk is designed to raise money to further the foundation’s mission. It is one of the fastest growing walkathons in North America; after only FIVE years, the walks have grown to nearly 50 in 25 states and two countries. The Nephlete program motivates athletes to participate in marathons and other athletic events to raise money in honor of friends and family who are battling Nephrotic Syndrome or FSGS. Nephletes have participated in the New York Marathon, the Falmouth Road Race, and similar events.

Other signature events include Countdown to a Cure. In addition, the NephCure Foundation supports family fundraisers, events organized by NephCure families and friends to help NephCure invest in kidney disease research, education, and awareness initiatives.

Other NephCure fundraising techniques include grant proposals, internet appeals, membership appeals, and cause marketing.^[6]