Local Nonprofit Seeks To Give Child Patients 'Backpacks Of Hope'

DANVILLE, CA — An Alamo nonprofit is partnering with Danville retailers as it seeks donations to help outfit pediatric Nephrotic Syndrome patients with backpacks full of comfort items and medical supplies.

The Nephrotic Syndrome Founsdation is in the midst of a giving drive for its signature program, Backpacks of Hope, which benefits kids with NS, a rare auto-immune disease that occurs when a person's kidneys are damaged and cause an excess of protein to be excreted into urine, according to the National Kidney Foundation. It can cause swelling, an increase of fat in the blood, blood pressure issues and more.

The Backpacks of Hope program has exploded since its inception three years ago, the Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation said in a news release. The foundation has delivered more than 600 backpacks so far and hopes to deliver more than 400 next year.

"You have no idea what a gift it is to be reminded we are not alone, that we have a community behind us, rooting for us and to receive true support," one patient's mother told the nonprofit.

More than 100 kids are currently waitlisted and the foundation aims to raise enough money to supply 50 backpacks amid the current fundraising campaign, according to the news release.

The public can donate until Dec. 31 here or at the following participating retailers: Beyond Active, Bliss Danville, Elisa Wen, Games Unlimited, JBJ Curated Goods and StarCycle Danville. Elisa Wen shoppers who make an in-store donation will receive a bracelet that says, "HOPE."

"Retailers' willingness to get involved year after year in this effort allows us to reach more of our community and make an even greater difference in the lives of the children battling this tough disease," said foundation President and founder Andi Callaway in the news release. "This year in particular we hope to use our [Backpacks of Hope" platform to return this gift of support to these dedicated and hard-working small businesses who need us now more than ever [during the pandemic.]"

Anyone seeking to get involved can contact andi@nephroticsyndromefoundation.org.