#United States #New Orleans #Kidney Foundation #Ride with Kenny #Kerry Foundation

Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation and Its Anthem Award

The Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation, in collaboration with the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana, Inc. (NKFL), recently made headlines by being awarded the prestigious Anthem Award for their unique initiative, #RidewithKenny. This program has dramatically improved access to non-emergency medical transportation for dialysis patients across Louisiana, significantly reducing barriers to essential healthcare services.

The Ride with Kenny program was launched in July 2024 and has already provided over 1,360 rides to approximately 680 patients. Each ride represents not just transportation, but a vital connection to health care, dignity, and hope for some of the state's most vulnerable individuals. Studies indicate that by ensuring timely transportation for dialysis appointments, the program has the potential to lower hospitalization risks by up to 40% and mortality by 25% (Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, June 2025).

About the Anthem Award

Presented by the Webby Awards, the Anthem Awards are globally recognized for emphasizing social impact initiatives. This year marks the fifth annual event, which attracted submissions from over 42 countries. Well-known influencers like Sabrina Carpenter, Selena Gomez, and Katie Couric were also honored for their contributions to positive change, highlighting the importance of social good in contemporary society.

Anthem Awards General Manager, Patricia McLoughlin, expressed that despite the challenges faced by the impact sector this year, the award winners showcased resilience and a continuous commitment toward a brighter future. Their efforts offer hope and inspire collective action for meaningful change in the world.

What Makes Ride with Kenny Unique

The Ride with Kenny program is a groundbreaking initiative as it addresses the critical issue of transportation access for those undergoing dialysis treatments. Many patients struggle with obtaining reliable transportation, which can lead to missed appointments, exacerbating their health issues. This initiative not only provides rides but is also funded by a substantial multi-year grant from the Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation, in partnership with Uber Health, ensuring HIPAA-compliant transportation.

Torie Kranze, the CEO of NKFL, emphasized the transformative impact of the program. Kranze stated, "Access to reliable transportation saves lives. Ride with Kenny is changing kidney care in Louisiana by ensuring patients can attend their treatments without barriers." She also expressed gratitude toward the founders, Kerry and Melinda Kirby, for their remarkable vision and generosity, which has resulted in a tangible difference for countless families in the community.

A Personal Legacy

The program is poignantly named in honor of Kenneth Fredrick Kirby, affectionately known as Kenny. He was one of Louisiana's earliest dialysis patients and was deeply cherished by his family and community. Kenny led an honorable life, serving in the United States Army and dedicated to his role in the Louisiana State Police. His life ended prematurely due to chronic kidney disease at the young age of 33, and his legacy now inspires the mission of the Ride with Kenny program.

Kerry W. Kirby, co-founder of the foundation, shared, "We are deeply honored by this recognition. Ride with Kenny was born from a place of loss, love, and a commitment to ensure no family experiences the hardships my father faced." Kerry and Melinda Kirby aspire for this initiative to honor Kenny's memory while providing critical resources and support for those facing similar health challenges today.

The efforts of the Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation and NKFL exemplify the power of community engagement in addressing health disparities and improving the quality of life for those in need. Through innovative solutions and unwavering dedication, they are paving the way for a healthier future for patients across Louisiana. Together, they are proving that with the right support and resources, nourishing hope can flourish in the unlikeliest of places.

Conclusion

As healthcare evolves, the model initiated by the Ride with Kenny program is one that could pave the way for similar initiatives nationwide, addressing not just physical health needs but also the social determinants that affect care access. The recognition received through the Anthem Awards serves as a beacon of possibility for communities grappling with similar challenges.