About Us

Mission Statement

The National Kidney Foundation of Upstate New York's mission is to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and to increase the availability of all organs for transplantation.

Our History

In the mid 1970's, the number of people facing kidney problems was increasing. At this time, the growing number of patients compiled with the enormous expense of dialysis had reached the United States Congress. Faced with this critical issue, congress authorized medicare coverage of dialysis treatment. Since so many people were now able to fight this deadly affliction, something was needed to aid and direct those who were still suffering. In 1981, the Upstate Kidney Association was created to help support and inform those people in need.

Founding Members

The Upstate Kidney Association founding members were:

Jack I. Dinaberg, President
Alex DiPasqualie, Vice President
Susan Brownstein, Secretary
Brenda Colby
Larry Glazer
Neal Madden
Rev. Robert Newell
Harvey Bunis

NKF Affiliation

In June 1981, the Upstate Kidney Association, who organized in a small church, decided the community would be served better by affiliating with the National Kidney Foundation. The National Kidney Foundation of Upstate New York has been serving the nine counties of: Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Yates for 25 years.

The National Kidney Foundation of Upstate New York has been instrumental in the fight against kidney disease by providing educational programs for the community, dialysis patients and transplant recipients, funding medical research, providing transportation and emergency funds for patients, and promoting organ donation. These efforts are funded by personal donations, corporate sponsorships, fundraisers, and the kidney car program.

Board of Directors

John Costello, Esq., President

Kiki France Perry, Vice President

Josephine Whang, R.N., B.S.N Secretary

Thomas Chiavetta C.P.A, Treasurer

Kevin N. Hill, Past-President

Alfreda Brown, Ed. D.

Craig Carey

Linda Hicks, L.M.S.W.

Vijay Jain, M.D.

Robert Legge

Chip Partner

Mary Petromallo

Greg Polisseni

Jeff Roth

Mike Rusinko

Sharon Stall, R.D.

Medical Advisory
 Board

Staff