Ada DeBold: How One Mother’s Love Saved Thousands of Lives

It takes unwavering dedication to drive social change. And nothing matches the determination of a mother fighting for her child’s life. Seventy-five years ago, Ada DeBold faced a devastating reality—her son, Bobby had kidney issues.  But Ada wasn’t about to give up. Her perseverance led to the creation of National Kidney Foundation (NKF). 

In 1950, Bobby was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, then called nephrosis. At the time, little was known about the disease. There was no cure.

Ada gathered doctors and parents of other children battling nephrosis. Together, they formed the National Nephrosis Foundation, National Kidney Foundation’s predecessor. Their goal was to raise money for research and find a treatment.

Learn more about childhood nephrotic syndrome.

In the 1950s, there was no internet, social media, or easy way to connect with others. Many women were expected to stay home. Ada didn’t let that stop her. She reached out to hospitals to find other families, spent hours in the library learning about the disease, and held meetings in her own home in Tuckahoe, NY, where doctors and parents could share information.

Finding money to support the cause was also tough. Few people knew about nephrosis, and Ada’s network was small. But she refused to give up. Ada wrote fundraising letters by hand while her husband, Harry. Her son, Paul, helped send them out. Technically, her fundraising efforts were illegal, but the local police, touched by her son’s suffering, chose to look the other way.

See all the ways you can get involved with NKF.

Ada’s determination led to an experimental drug trial for the childhood disease. Bobby participated in the trial, helping shape the future of the treatment that would save thousands of children. 

Sadly, Bobby lost his battle at just four years old, but Ada’s mission didn’t end. What started as The National Nephrosis Foundation grew into NKF.  For 75 years, NKF has been leading the way in kidney health. 

Inspired by Ada DeBold’s activism, NKF continues to:

• Educate people about kidney health and disease
• Support research and innovation to improve patient care
• Work towards equal treatment in kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation

Together, we can create a future where there is KIDNEY EQUITY FOR ALL™.

Learn about NKF’s top 10 achievements.