Cleveland Rutherford Kidney Association

Want to join me in making a difference?

I'm raising money to benefit Cleveland Rutherford Kidney Association (CRKA), and any donation will help make an impact.

Due to the current situation concerning COVID-19, normal fundraising routines have not been possible.

CRKA has lost more than $55,000 in funds this year.

With no federal or state funds either, we are asking you for help. Without the support of the community-the Cleveland Rutherford Kidney Association will no longer be able to help those in need. 

Even just a small donation can can significantly help in keeping this organization running.

Thanks in advance for your contribution.



Read below, the incredible story of the Cleveland Rutherford Kidney Association.

The Cleveland Rutherford Kidney Association was founded in 1989 by Margaret Ledford in honor of her daughter Susan Renee Ledford. Now managed by her daughter, Michelle Hoyle, the values and mission of the CRKA remain the same :

“To identify and assist with the needs of kidney disease patients in the Cleveland and Rutherford counties of North Carolina.”

The Cleveland Rutherford Kidney Association provides multiple free services to patients including : transportation to and from doctors visits, stress management counseling, education, referral services, post-transplant support - as well as grocery and medication assistance.

This organization is non-profit and these services are made possible by donations and volunteers from the community.

Renee Ledford’s legacy :

On June 15, 1962, Margaret Ledford gave birth to her first child. She and her husband, Ray, were told they had a healthy baby girl, whom they named Susan Renee Ledford. However, it wasn’t long until her mother realized something was wrong.

After multiple tests, a doctor finally confirmed that Renee was diagnosed with asthma. Margaret and Ray spent many restless nights helping Renee with vapors or rushing her to the ER for shots to help her breathing problems.

Fast forward to when Renee was 9 years old. After visiting the doctor for a back issue, she found out that she had been born with two spinal curvatures in her lower back and neck. She was then given a Halo Pelvic Traction Brave which she wore for several years. Renee then went through three surgeries to correct the lower curve of her back.

After high school graduation Renee received her first kidney transplant from a stranger who had passed away. Shortly after the surgery, Renee had a rejection to the transplant which prompted her to start dialysis.

Several years later, Renee received a second kidney transplant which began rejecting as well. After many treatments of ATG the rejection began to turn around. This transplant eventually rejected as well and Renee was placed on dialysis for a second time.

Renee’s next transplant came from a very special source. Her father, Ray Ledford, requested the opportunity to help save her life and on October 28, 1985 Renee received her fathers kidney.

In 2010, Renee received her fourth and final transplant from her aunt Pam McCurry. Unfortunately they kidney rejected again. Renee has made peace with her life and decided that she did not want to start dialysis again. On July 16, 2010, at the age of 48, Renee peacefully gained her wings.

During her lifetime, Renee overcame her adversities and became a spokesperson for Kidney Disease. She participated in work with her mother at the Cleveland Rutherford Kidney Association as a founder and patient support advocate. Renee inspired hundreds throughout her life and continues to do so through her story.

The Cleveland Rutherford Kidney Association strives to keep Renee’s legacy alive by supporting Patients with Kidney Disease.

Please donate so that this organization can continue to help those in need.