Scottsdale Girl Wins American Kidney Fund’s National Calendar Contest

Young Kidney Patient Honored in Washington, D.C.

ROCKVILLE, MD – Meghan Barney, 7, of Scottsdale, AZ, visited Washington, D.C., the weekend of September 12-14 to be honored as a winner of the American Kidney Fund’s annual nationwide art contest for children who have kidney disease. 

Meghan’s drawing, “Playtime” illustrates the month of August in the American Kidney Fund’s 2009 “Kid”ney Calendar.  She was diagnosed with kidney failure at the age of four and has received a kidney transplant.  “I am a healthy, regular kid now,” said Meghan.  “I love being able to exercise now that I can.”

Meghan loves to play soccer, baseball, Webkins, color, and draw.  Her favorite subject in school is cursive and her top choices for music are Hannah Montana and ABBA.  She likes to spend time playing with her dog, Greta.  Meghan is also a big fan of the Disney Princesses, in particular Belle and Jasmine.

The American Kidney Fund is a major charitable organization, providing urgently needed treatment-related financial help to one-fifth of the nation’s dialysis patients. The children’s art contest – now in its 13^th year-is one way the American Kidney Fund raises public awareness of kidney disease, our nation’s ninth leading cause of death.

During the weekend of September 12-14, Meghan visited Washington, D.C., along with 12 other contest winners from around the country. The families toured the city, visiting various tourist attractions and ending with a tour of the White House. The American Kidney Fund honored the contest winners with an awards banquet at the Crystal City Marriott at Reagan National Airport. The artists range in age from 7 to 16.  Each child is living with kidney disease.

“This program allows us to recognize inspirational young artists who have faced enormous challenges in their lives,” said LaVarne A. Burton, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Kidney Fund. “It is a fantastic weekend because it gives each child a chance to form lasting friendships with other children who are facing the same health challenges.”

The 2009 Kidney Calendars cost $10 each, and can be ordered by calling 800-638-8299 or by visiting www.kidneyfund.org. Proceeds support the services and programs of the American Kidney Fund. The “Kid”ney Calendar Program is sponsored nationally by Amgen.

The American Kidney Fund provides direct, treatment-related financial assistance to kidney patients, and health education to people with or at risk for kidney disease. Ninety-six cents of every dollar spent goes directly to programs and services. In 2007, the organization helped more than 63,000 kidney patients, distributing $100.3 million in grants.