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NephCure, a leading rare kidney disease nonprofit organization, is proud to announce the appointment of rare kidney disease patient and advocate, and philanthropist, and 4-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter, producer, Brian Kennedy to its Junta Directiva. He brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion that promises to drive NephCure’s mission forward.
Kennedy is also the founder of Hits to Healing, a nonprofit organization focused on addressing health disparities through innovative initiatives that integrate music, education, and community engagement to expand awareness and improve access to care.
Kennedy’s journey with rare kidney disease began at the height of his music career, when severe symptoms led to a diagnosis of glomeruloesclerosis focal y segmentaria (FSGS), a rare and aggressive kidney disease. Initially unaware of his declining health, Kennedy learned his kidney function had dropped significantly and spent years managing the disease while continuing to work in the music industry. After approximately seven years on the transplant waitlist, he ultimately received a life-saving kidney transplant from his brother.
Today, Kennedy draws on his personal experience to raise awareness of rare kidney diseases, promote early detection, and advocate for greater health equity in underserved communities.
“Brian has been a powerful voice in the rare kidney disease community for years, generously advancing NephCure’s mission well before joining our Board of Directors. His lived experience, commitment to health equity, and ability to inspire action at a community level will be invaluable as we continue our work to ensure every patient has access to the best care and treatments, Brian has traveled throughout the world participating in and supporting numerous NephCure and like-minded organizations programs. We are so honored to have Brain join are very active board of directors,” NephCure’s Chief Executive Officer, Josh Tarnoff said.
Beyond his health advocacy work, Kennedy has a music career spanning more than two decades. He is a renowned musical force whose credits include chart-topping hits for artists such as Rihanna, Rascal Flatts, Kelly Clarkson, and Jennifer Hudson. His work on Hudson’s debut album earned him his first Grammy Award for Best R&B Album in 2009, solidifying his reputation as one of the industry’s most influential creative talents.
Kennedy has built a legacy rooted not only in musical excellence but also in purpose-driven advocacy. His appointment reflects NephCure’s ongoing commitment to expanding its reach, amplifying awareness, and advancing equity in rare kidney disease care.
About NephCure:
NephCure’s mission is to ensure that all individuals with rare, protein-spilling kidney disease have equitable access to the care and treatments that offer them the best kidney health outcome possible. Founded in 2000 by a group of committed patient parents, NephCure has invested more than $40 million in kidney disease research and helped create a landscape where there are now new treatments and more than 60 interventional drug trials for rare kidney diseases. NephCure is a U.S. tax exempt 501(c)(3) public charity.
