Press release

American Kidney Fund Statement on the Passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

AKF President and CEO LaVarne A. Burton's statement on the passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a tireless advocate for people living with kidney disease

ROCKVILLE, Md. (July 22, 2024) — LaVarne A. Burton, president and CEO of the American Kidney Fund (AKF), today issued this statement on the passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee:

"Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was a tireless advocate for the people of Houston, and across the nation, who have been affected by kidney disease. Whether it was supporting kidney legislation, attending AKF health screenings in Houston, or honoring one of her constituents, NeShell Monroe, at AKF's gala, The Hope Affair, the Congresswoman was always there to show her support for patients and advance health equity. We are grateful to her for her advocacy for the millions of people affected by kidney disease, and our deepest sympathies are with her family."

About the American Kidney Fund

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) fights kidney disease on all fronts as the nonprofit with the greatest direct impact on people with kidney disease. AKF works on behalf of 1 in 7 Americans living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease—from prevention through transplant. AKF fights for kidney health for all through programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy. AKF is one of the nation’s top-rated nonprofits, investing 97 cents of every donated dollar in programs, and holds the highest 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator for 21 consecutive years and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, formerly known as GuideStar. 

For more information, please visit KidneyFund.org, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.