Saving Grace Kidney Foundation to host first community awareness event

The event aims to expand knowledge about kidney health, prevention and early detection.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Saving Grace Kidney Foundation, founded by Marsha Parker after her own kidney failure diagnosis and transplant, is hosting its first annual 'Kidneys Matter' community health event in partnership with Dougherty County Recreation and Parks. The event on March 12 will focus on educating the public about chronic kidney disease, which affects over 35 million Americans.

Why it matters

Chronic kidney disease is a prevalent but often undiagnosed condition, with up to 90% of adults with CKD unaware they have it. The Saving Grace Kidney Foundation aims to increase awareness and provide support for dialysis and transplant patients in the local community.

The details

The Saving Grace Kidney Foundation was founded by Marsha Parker after she was unexpectedly diagnosed with kidney failure in 2015 and underwent dialysis for 8 years before receiving a kidney transplant. The foundation provides education, support groups, and mentoring for dialysis and post-transplant patients to help them understand their condition and options. The upcoming 'Kidneys Matter' event is the first collaboration between the foundation and Dougherty County Recreation and Parks.

  • The 'Kidneys Matter' event will take place on March 12, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The players

Marsha Parker

CEO and founder of the Saving Grace Kidney Foundation, who was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2015 and underwent dialysis for 8 years before receiving a kidney transplant.

Saving Grace Kidney Foundation

A non-profit organization that works to educate, support and advocate for dialysis and post-transplant patients, providing workshops, informational materials and mentoring.

Dougherty County Recreation and Parks

The county agency partnering with the Saving Grace Kidney Foundation to host the 'Kidneys Matter' community health event.

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What they’re saying

“I felt like I couldn't work anymore, couldn't go anywhere, couldn't do anything. I was restricted on what I had to eat, what to drink. No one told me what to do or who to ask and when to do it.”

— Marsha Parker, CEO and founder, Saving Grace Kidney Foundation (albanyherald.com)

“After my transplant, God gave me a vision for Marsha's Saving Grace Kidney Foundation and the Kidney Peer Support Group.”

— Marsha Parker, CEO and founder, Saving Grace Kidney Foundation (albanyherald.com)

“I thank God for giving me this vision. I thank him for standing beside me, supporting me and encouraging me to go to the next level.”

— Marsha Parker, CEO and founder, Saving Grace Kidney Foundation (albanyherald.com)

What’s next

The 'Kidneys Matter' event on March 12 will be the first annual collaboration between the Saving Grace Kidney Foundation and Dougherty County Recreation and Parks, with plans to continue the partnership to increase kidney disease awareness in the local community.

The takeaway

The Saving Grace Kidney Foundation's mission to educate, support and advocate for dialysis and transplant patients highlights the need for greater awareness and resources around chronic kidney disease, which affects over 35 million Americans but often goes undiagnosed.