In Memory of Derek Forfang
Derek Forfang, Forum Board of Directors member and Kidney Patient Advisory Council (KPAC) Co-Chair, passed away on October 20, 2023. Derek leaves behind a deep legacy of patient advocacy. He worked hard over the years to improve the quality of life of kidney patients, with particular attention given to depression and supporting patients in asking for help with their mental health.
Derek was a vital member of the Forum of ESRD Networks for over 10 years,. He always said that the Forum and the KPAC were his home. He greatly enjoyed leading and interacting with his colleagues on the KPAC and relished organizing their holiday celebration each year. Derek left his mark on many; in addition to the Forum, he worked with the National Kidney Foundation, the American Society of Nephrology, the Making Dialysis Safer Coalition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and a host of other organizations. He was a published author and frequent speaker. Derek will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Rest in peace, dear friend.
The Forum has established the Derek Forfang Memorial Fund to honor Derek’s legacy. The Fund will support the work of the Forum's KPAC. Make your tax-deductible donation today. Click on the box next to "Dedicate my donation to the Derek Forfang Memorial Fund," and be sure to leave a message or memory you have of Derek with us in the Message box. If you have a picture of Derek you would like to share, please email it to kbrooks@esrdnetworks.org.
On November 13, 2023, the Forum held a memorial for Derek which was attended by his friends and colleagues from the Forum, the ESRD Networks, and CMS, as well as his family. View a recording of the memorial.
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The National Forum of ESRD Networks, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization #13-3246354. Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services will be provided by the Forum in return or consideration for this contribution. Donations can also be mailed to the Forum Office at PO Box 70623, Henrico, VA 23255.
Donate nowWhat's new on the Forum website?
July KPAC Newsletter Now Available
Read It Today!
The July issue of Your Voice, Your Health is now available. This issue features an article from KPAC member Precious McCowan, PhD, about her decision to donate her son's organs. It's a must read! Read this and past issues of Your Voice, Your Health here.
Forum Member Presents on Transitions of Care
Watch and Learn!
Forum Board member David Henner, DO, presented on the Transitions of Care Toolkit at the 2025 National Kidney Foundation Spring Clinical Meetings. View the slides and video.
April is Donate Life Month!
KPAC Develops Donate Life Month Flyers for Patients
April is Donate Life Month! The Forum of ESRD Networks’ Kidney Patient Advisory Council (KPAC) has developed some helpful flyers, one for each week in April, for you to display in your facility.
Forum Releases CMS Medication Bundle Resource
The Forum has developed a reference table for dialysis-related medications and their status with the CMS medication bundle.
Download it here.
March is Kidney Month!
KPAC Develops Kidney Month Flyers for Patients
March is Kidney Month! The Forum of ESRD Networks’ Kidney Patient Advisory Council (KPAC) has developed some helpful flyers, one for each week in March, for you to display in your facility.
KPAC Member Bios Now Available!
Want to know more about the Forum's KPAC members?
Read their bio statements here. If you're looking for a patient advocate to speak at your event, it's a great way to find the perfect match.