For 40 years, NKF’s Camp Chimer has given children with kidney disease something every child deserves: the chance to enjoy summer camp safely, build friendships and feel understood. With medical support from Children's Mercy, campers ages 9 to 18 who are on dialysis or have received a kidney transplant can take part in activities like swimming, laser tag, crafts, a dance and team-building while receiving the care they need.

This year, Camp Chimer marked its 40th anniversary July 31-Aug. 2, at a camp and retreat center in Kansas City. The anniversary celebrations included special activities recognizing the camp's history, alumni, volunteers, donors and the families whose lives have been touched by the program. 

“I can swim now since I have had my transplant. However, my first summer at camp I was on dialysis and couldn’t swim at home because it can cause complications. At camp, I was able to swim and just have a good time.” — Second-year camper

"It can be nerve-wracking sending your child to away camp, especially a child with kidney disease. However, the team at Camp Chimer not only makes sure he’s having fun, but staying healthy too.” — Camper’s mom

"As I celebrate my first summer at Camp Chimer, I am inspired by the joy, resilience and courage of these incredible campers and their families,” said Dr. Marc Hurlbert, CEO of the National Kidney Foundation. “Forty years of Camp Chimer represents four decades of changing lives, creating lifelong memories, and reminding children with kidney disease that they are never alone. We are proud to honor Dr. Warady and everyone who has helped make this extraordinary legacy possible and look forward to building on it for generations to come."

Founded in 1986 by Brad Warady, MD, Director of Dialysis and the McLaughlin Family Endowed Chair in Nephrology, the camp was created so children in kidney failure, on dialysis or post kidney transplant could experience the joy and independence of summer camp. A team of staff from Children’s Mercy including physicians, nurses, APPs, child life, social work, pharmacy, language services and a host of volunteers are there to meet the needs of the kids and to make it the best possible experience for those that attend. Camp Chimer is offered at no cost to participating families thanks to the generosity of donors, sponsors and volunteers who make this life-changing experience possible.

Learn more at Kidney.org/CampChimer.

Children’s Mercy continues to advance comprehensive, patient-centered pediatric kidney transplant care through a highly experienced multidisciplinary team. Two transplant coordinators within the Kidney Transplant Program, Katelyn and Mariah —both former pediatric kidney transplant recipients—now bring unique clinical insight to the care of children and adolescents with complex kidney disease, further strengthening the program’s continuity and family-centered approach.

As transplant coordinators, these nurses play a central role in guiding patients and families through evaluation, transplant preparation, post-transplant monitoring, and long-term follow-up. Their responsibilities include coordinating diagnostic testing, managing laboratory surveillance, facilitating medication adjustments, and serving as a consistent point of contact between referring providers, transplant surgeons, nephrologists, and families.

Their work alongside Bradley Warady, MD, and the broader Children’s Mercy Nephrology and Transplant teams underscores the program’s longstanding leadership in pediatric kidney care. The Kidney Transplant Program has supported generations of patients through advanced medical management, successful transplantation, and transition to adulthood, emphasizing coordinated care across pediatric and adult systems.

This integrated model ensures seamless collaboration, timely communication, and comprehensive support for children with kidney failure—from initial referral through transplant and long-term outcomes. The presence of highly experienced transplant coordinators with deep clinical and personal understanding of kidney disease reinforces Children’s Mercy’s commitment to delivering expert, compassionate, and reliable specialty care.

On Oct. 18, Children’s Mercy proudly hosted BARE (Biliary Atresia Research and Education) “On the Road,” a powerful half-day event dedicated to supporting families, patients, caregivers and medical professionals affected by biliary atresia (BA)—a rare and serious pediatric liver disease.

This event was part of BARE’s national initiative to bring education, resources and community-building directly to leading pediatric institutions. In collaboration with BARE, Children’s Mercy’s Child Life team and liver nurses created a joyful “kids camp” for patients and siblings, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for all attendees.

The day brought together a diverse and passionate group of participants. BARE, a national nonprofit founded by parents of children with BA, led the charge in driving research and education. Medical experts from across disciplines, including hepatology, surgery, psychology, nutrition, and transplant care, shared their insights. Among them was Jonathan Merola, MD, from Cincinnati Children’s, who presented “Frontiers in Pediatric Liver Transplantation.” Families living with BA and those who have undergone liver transplants came together with their caregivers to share experiences and build community. Advocates like Lauren Wilmer from COTA (Children's Organ Transplant Association) and Chloe Simmons from Make-A-Wish Missouri and Kansas offered valuable resources and support.

The event’s impact was felt deeply. Families gained practical knowledge on diagnosis, treatment, mental health and life post-transplant through expert-led talks and breakout sessions. Connections formed among attendees who understood the unique challenges of the BA journey, fostering emotional support and solidarity. Open dialogue between clinicians and families helped shape future care models and research priorities. By visiting individual centers like Children’s Mercy, BARE ensured its resources reached diverse communities. All BA families were invited free of charge, including those receiving care outside of Children’s Mercy.

For Children’s Mercy, hosting BARE “On the Road” was a meaningful affirmation of its leadership in pediatric liver care, while highlighting the hospital’s commitment to holistic support—clinical, emotional, and educational—for families navigating chronic illness.

BARE “On the Road” was more than an event, it was a celebration of resilience, knowledge, and community. By bringing together experts, advocates, and families, it created a space where healing and hope could thrive.