Neonatal Kidney Collaborative

When caring for infants with NEC, attention to kidney health is critical.

The connection between necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and acute kidney injury (AKI) highlights how closely organ systems work together in vulnerable newborns. Recognizing kidney injury early and understanding its impact may help improve both short- and long-term outcomes.

At the Neonatal Kidney Collaborative, we are committed to advancing awareness, research, and education surrounding neonatal kidney health and its connection to conditions like NEC.

🩵💛 As NEC Awareness Month comes to a close, the Neonatal Kidney Collaborative is proud to join the NEC Society in raising awareness about necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

NEC is a devastating intestinal disease that primarily affects premature and medically fragile infants. It can progress rapidly, remains a leading cause of death in premature infants, and may have lifelong consequences for survivors and their families.

While May is coming to an end, the need for awareness, research, education, and advocacy continues year-round. By working together, we can help advance understanding of NEC and improve outcomes for vulnerable newborns and their families.

Together, we can help build a world without NEC.

Thank you to .society for their leadership and dedication to families affected by NEC.

When there seemed to be no path forward, Braysen’s story became one of faith, perseverance, and redefining what’s possible. 🤍

We’re honored to share his journey as part of the NKC Family Story Series. Read his full story at babykidney.org, and stay tuned for a special family video later this month.

Last night, we gathered on Boston Harbor for our 2026 NKC dinner—an incredible evening with an even more incredible community.

There’s something special about being together in person—connecting, sharing stories, and celebrating the friendships that come from a shared commitment to improving kidney care for babies and children. We were also proud to recognize this year’s NKC Award recipients.

Grateful for the energy, the connection, and the momentum this community continues to build. 💙

David Askenazi, NKC Board Member, in the news! Working hard to improve care for children!

Innovating for better outcomes: UAB advances kidney care Innovating for better outcomes: UAB advances kidney care

Celebrating excellence at PAS 2026 👏

Congratulations to this year’s outstanding ASPN honorees:
✨ Michelle Starr, NKC Research Committee Co-chair – Equity, Social Justice, and Advocacy Award
✨ Jennifer Charlton, NKC President – Mid-Career Award
✨ Melissa Zhou, NKC SIX2 crew member – Best Clinical Science Abstract

We’re proud to recognize the NKC Pilot & Feasibility Award recipients at for their work advancing neonatal kidney research.

👏 Congratulations to:
• Melissa Zhou
• Megan Gates

Supported by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, these awards provide up to $5,000 to support pilot and feasibility studies that help investigators build toward future independent funding.

Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS)
Day 1 ✅

Our Research Incubator in Neonatal Kidney Disease (RINK) met this afternoon to discuss NKC research and collaborative projects — including ongoing research and quality improvement work, as well as upcoming projects and new ideas.

Great to connect and keep the momentum going. Strong start to PAS!

NKC is in Boston for ! 🩵

Today we’re kicking things off at RINK, where we’ll be connecting, collaborating, and announcing our Pilot & Feasibility Grant winners.

Then join us Friday for the NKC Annual Membership Social—we can’t wait to see our community together in person!