About UKRO & the USC/UKRO Kidney Research Center
UKRO is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit charity founded in 2002 by entertainment lawyer Kenneth Kleinberg with the help of Dr. Vito M. Campese, then Professor and Chief of the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Our mission is fundraising to support medical research and education related to the causes, treatment, and eradication of all forms of kidney disease.
Since 2002, UKRO has raised significant dollars to fund cutting-edge research at the earliest stage of development, in addition to educational symposia and fellowships. Our special project grants have been awarded to nationally recognized experts from interdisciplinary labs at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, City of Hope, and UCLA.
We believe that collaboration among scientists working in a variety of fields is the key to understanding chronic kidney disease, discovering improved therapies, and finding a much-needed cure. To that end, in September 2012, UKRO entered into an agreement with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California to establish what we envision as a premier center nationally for kidney research—the USC/UKRO Kidney Research Center (KRC). We have made an initial $3.5 million pledge to support the establishment of the KRC, which officially opened in 2015. UKRO’s gift will be matched by equivalent contributions from the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Led by Kenneth Hallows, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.S.N., the research team at the KRC is exploring kidney regeneration and stem cell therapies, acute kidney injury, hypertension, polycystic kidney disease, acid regulation, kidney cancer, and more.
The Chronic Kidney Disease Crisis
Chronic kidney disease affects the general population, but is particularly prevalent among African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans. Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of kidney disease. Left untreated, kidney disease can lead to permanent damage and kidney failure. It is imperative that we protect our kidney health.
Shop While You Give!
UKRO and Goodshop have partnered to help you do more good with each purchase you make. Every time you shop online, part of what you spend through Goodshop will be donated towards helping fund kidney research; at no extra cost to you. Sign up and choose our cause to start shopping, raising money, and saving with gift deals at Edible Arrangements , clothing discounts at Old Navy, discounts on flowers at Pro Flowers, and 100,000+ other online deals.
Diet Rich in Potassium Linked to Lower Blood Pressure
Research from Keck School of Medicine of USC researcher Alicia McDonough, Ph.D., could lead to a simple and tasty way to lower blood pressure. “Decreasing sodium intake is a well-established way to lower blood pressure, but evidence suggests that increasing dietary potassium may have an equally important effect on hypertension,”…
Most Long-Term Type 1 Diabetes Patients Have Kidney Disease
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh reveals that most patients suffering from long-term Type 1 diabetes (T1D) have at least some level of kidney disease. Researchers studied a cohort of men and women with childhood-onset T1D diagnosed between 1950 to 1980 to assess the cumulative kidney complication risk after 50…
Remembering UKRO Board Member Carol Peters
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a treasured member of the UKRO family, our long-time board member Carol Peters. Carol spent more than 40 years in the music industry, serving in executive positions at both major and independent labels. For more than 20 years, she…
Keck Kidney Transplant Program Receives 5 Stars
The kidney transplant program at the Keck School of Medicine received a 5-star ranking by the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR). By outcomes and volume, Keck came in second out of almost 285 programs in the nation. Upon sharing the news with us, Dr. Qazi commented, “I am really…
New Polymer to Detect Early Acute Kidney Injury
A new polymer developed by a Ph.D. student at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw could save many lives through early detection of acute kidney injury also known as AKI. The polymer works by trapping lipocalin-2 (NGAL), a protein which is elevated in the blood…
ESRD Linked to Drinking Diet Soda
New research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore reveals a link between end stage renal disease and frequent drinking of diet sodas. In this general population study, people who drank more than seven diet soft drinks a week faced an 83% higher risk of ESRD compared to…