Transforming Lives Through Transportation: The Impact of Ride with Kenny Program

The Life-Changing Impact of the Ride with Kenny Program

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving the lives of kidney disease patients in Louisiana, the Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation has partnered with the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana (NKFL) to launch the Ride with Kenny program. This innovative initiative addresses a pressing issue: reliable transportation for patients who require dialysis treatment.

With over 460,000 residents in Louisiana suffering from chronic kidney disease and around 16,000 depending on regular dialysis sessions, access to dependable transportation becomes a matter of life and death. The Ride with Kenny program is designed to break down barriers clients face in getting to their treatment facilities, ensuring that vital health care services are within reach.

According to data shared by the NKFL and Uber Health, approximately 1,165 essential rides were provided to 582 patients during the fiscal year that concluded in June 2025. Each ride symbolizes not just a trip to the clinic, but a crucial lifeline that connects patients to health, hope, and dignity. This initiative has proven to be vital in preventing missed treatment sessions, significantly reducing hospitalization risks by as much as 40% and cutting down mortality risks by 25% for those at risk of missing their appointments, as highlighted in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

The program is made possible through a multi-year grant from the Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation, which has generously supported the expansion of NKFL's existing transportation services across the state. By collaborating with Uber Health, Ride with Kenny ensures that patients receive HIPAA-compliant rides, safeguarding their privacy and protecting their health during transport to their treatments.

Torie Kranze, CEO of the NKFL, praised Kerry and Melinda Kirby, stating, "They are not just philanthropists but champions for patients in need. Their exceptional generosity has birthed a program that dismantles significant barriers to care."

The Ride with Kenny is more than just a transportation initiative; it serves as a legacy tribute to Kenneth Fredrick Kirby, who was among the first dialysis patients in Louisiana. Kenny was known for his dedication—both as a proud veteran who served in the U.S. Army and as an honorable member of the Louisiana State Police. His struggle against chronic kidney disease tragically ended at the age of 33, but his legacy continues through this life-saving program.

Kerry W. Kirby, the co-founder of the foundation and son of Kenny, expressed the significance of this initiative. He said, "Ride with Kenny is about restoring hope and standing with those battling for their health every day. My family and I are deeply committed to eliminating the barriers that prevent access to essential treatments and are honored to work with NKFL to actualize this vision."

The Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation stands at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, emphasizing support for educational, healthcare, and equality initiatives through its funding and community-driven projects. The foundation's work amplifies the voices of those in need and promotes societal change.

The National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana is dedicated to transforming the lives of patients by fighting kidney disease, innovating patient care, and addressing systemic inequities in kidney treatment and transplantation. With a commitment to using resources efficiently—over 81 cents of every dollar donated goes directly towards service programs—the NKFL plays a key role in improving kidney care statewide.

For those seeking to gain more insights or assist in advancing these vital programs, they can learn more through the official websites of the Kerry & Melinda Kirby Foundation and NKFL. The Ride with Kenny program exemplifies what can happen when community commitment aligns with visionary leadership, creating pathways for hope, health, and healing in Louisiana’s most vulnerable populations.

With continued support, initiatives like Ride with Kenny could redefine healthcare access for patients battling chronic illnesses, ultimately fostering a healthier and more equitable community.