The Ride with Kenny initiative honors one of the first dialysis patients in Louisiana, Kenneth Fredrick Kirby, known to his family and friends as Kenny. He was a beloved son, devoted husband, and loving father to Kerry W. Kirby and Karen Kirby Lasseigne. Kenny served in the United States Army and, upon returning from active duty, joined the Louisiana State Police, where he worked in law enforcement with integrity, pride, and dedication to protecting others. Unfortunately, after enduring many years of chronic kidney disease, he eventually developed end-stage renal disease and required dialysis. The toll of his illness led to his passing at the young age of 33.
Since 2018, Uber Health has provided a HIPAA-enabled logistics platform for healthcare organizations providing everything from non-emergency medical transportation to prescription, grocery, and over-the-counter-item delivery, connecting people to the care they need. This new partnership with Uber Health will provide reliable transportation, making it easier for patients to access the care they need.
In Louisiana, over 460,000 citizens are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, and more than 16,000 are on dialysis. Without access to essential lifesaving treatments, the health of this vulnerable population is at significant risk. Transportation plays a vital role in ensuring that individuals can obtain the medical care they need.