KHAKY was established in 1971 to serve patients facing the challenges of kidney disease. For 40 years, KHAKY has worked to help patients and their families through emergency financial assistance and providing nutritional supplements for dialysis patients for the past 15 years. In 2007 KHAKY introduced its life-size mascot, Sidney the Kidney, to help raise awareness of kidney disease and to help educate children about the importance of healthy life choices. In 2010 KHAKY secured its first affiliate group with the addition of the Kentucky Renal Dietitians to help expand the impact and reach of KHAKY programs and services and begin the process of forming a statewide alliance of renal professionals. KHAKY is also a member of the Donate Life KY Coalition to promote organ donation.