2024

October

American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Cele’s Champions Award
Valen was honored with the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Cele’s Champions Award, a recognition of her tireless work as a patient advocate for those living with kidney disease. As part of this prestigious award, Valen had the privilege of attending the ASN Conference, where she spoke on a panel during the STARS Luncheon — the culminating event for students and residents attending Kidney Week via ASN’s STARS program.
The panel discussion, which featured people living with kidney disease and care partners, aimed to provide a humanistic perspective on the challenges faced by kidney disease patients. The event, attended by 350 mentors, medical students, residents, researchers, and graduate students, inspired the next generation of nephrologists to consider a career in the field with empathy and a deeper understanding of patient experiences.
In addition to the panel, Valen’s podcast was featured in a special article in ASN Kidney News, which was included in all conference bags, further amplifying her patient advocacy efforts. She also had the opportunity to meet with ASN leadership, including the President of ASN, which allowed for valuable conversations around patient advocacy and patient-centered care.
Receiving this award and the chance to speak at the ASN Conference was an incredible opportunity to advocate for kidney patients and inspire the future of nephrology through her work and personal experiences.

June

American Society of Transplant (AST) Transplant Advocacy Award
Valen was honored to receive the prestigious American Society of Transplant (AST) Transplant Advocacy Award at the American Transplant Congress, recognizing her outstanding contributions to organ donation and transplantation. As part of the award, Valen and her husband attended the President’s Dinner, where she was celebrated for her advocacy efforts.
In her acceptance speech, Valen shared how she views her life through the lens of “WE”—emphasizing the team effort that has helped restore her health, maintain her well-being, and fuel her passion for patient advocacy. She also conveyed a powerful message of gratitude, patient inclusion, and her ongoing commitment to educate and create positive change in the transplant community.

American Society of Transplant (AST) Transplant Advocacy Award

2022

Letters of Hope, created by Valen and sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific, was awarded the Donate Life Hollywood Inspire Award at the DLH Inspire Awards Event

2019

Selected to be a “Dreamer” in the DreamWalk Fashion Show in NYC
Corks for a Cure committee member, helping to organize the annual PKD fundraiser raising over $150,000 for PKD research, which won the 2018 Outstanding Fundraiser Award by the PKD Foundation and was in the top five PKD Foundation fundraising events in 2019, 2016-2019

2018

Goodhyouman clothing selected Valen’s story to be featured on their hangtags

2017

Recipient of the “Bounce Back, Give Back Award” from the Chris Klug Foundation

Chris Klug introducing Valen as she was recognized and honored with the Bounce Back Give Back award.

2013

Winner of the Donate Life Blue and Green Day Contest

2012

Received the “Outstanding Media Ambassador” award from Sierra Donor Services
Selected as one of the “12 Inspiring Women of 20 Million in 2012” by Donate Life America
1st place winner of Renal Support Network’s Annual Kidney Times Essay Contest

2011

Appointed a National Spokesperson for University Kidney Research Organization
Selected as winner of nationwide Astellas “Ride of a Lifetime” Rose Parade Contest and rode on the Donate Life Float in the Rose Parade, 2010-2011

UKRO spokesperson Valen Keefer talks about her inspirational battle with kidney disease, her life-saving transplant and the vital need to fund research for a cure.

2009

Recipient of the Susan P. Byrnes Health Education Center “Celebration of Life Award”
Selected as the “Smart Woman” for Smart Magazine
Recipient of the first-ever “Helene Kenigsberg Award for Excellence in Public Awareness of Polycystic Kidney Disease” from the PKD Foundation of Canada. This award was established in 2009 and is the only award of its kind, honoring individuals who have made an outstanding contribution in creating public awareness of PKD on a national level
Attended Senate Session as Senator Waugh’s special guest as he adopted Resolution 138 designating September 2009 as PKD Awareness Month in the state of PA in Valen’s honor

2008

Subject of award-winning biography, “My Favorite American” by Dennis McCloskey
Graduate of the Dale Carnegie Effective Communications and Human Relations Course and the High Impact Presentation Course. Recipient of the following Dale Carnegie Course awards: Outstanding Performance, Human Relations, Human Relations Champion and Highest Award for Achievement

2007

The author of Valen’s biography, Dennis McCloskey, and Valen were invited into the operating room at Johns Hopkins Hospital to watch a kidney being removed from a donor and transplanted into a recipient by Valen’s kidney transplant surgeon, Dr. Robert Montgomery

2006

Campaign Chair for the PKD Foundation’s “Campaign for a Cure,” raising over $1,000,000 for PKD research, 2004-2006
Chapter and Walk Coordinator for the South Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the PKD Foundation, raising more than $100,000 for PKD research, 2004-2006
Collaborated with Pennsylvania Senator Waugh to introduce a resolution for September 2006 to be designated as PKD awareness month in the state of Pennsylvania
Top Individual Fundraiser Award from the PKD Foundation for the South Central Pennsylvania Walk for PKD

2005

Nominated for and received the most votes in a nationwide contest, and named the first-ever Davita “Kidney Idol”

2004

Founded of the South Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the PKD Foundation

Awards & Accolades