Kidney patients, Anissa Matkin, 17, of Scottsdale, and Daniel Salgado Valencia, 11, of Goodyear, received national recognition in the American Kidney Fund’s Calendar Kids Art Contest, which is open for votes through July 31.

Among 13 finalists, their artwork will be featured in AKF’s 2024 calendar. If either Matkin or Valencia win, their piece will be featured on the calendar’s cover, according to a press release. The winner will be honored at AKF’s annual national gala, The Hope Affair.

• Matkin’s piece, “Before,” reflects on how her life changed since she was diagnosed with kidney disease this past year, stating, “We want normalcy, but we can’t have it, not ever because there is no cure. This is forever. There will never be a before.” Despite the disruption to her school schedule dialysis created, she is graduating high school this year and will attend Scottsdale Community College until she can receive her kidney transplant.
• In Valencia’s submission, “Disco Kidneys,” he drew two kidneys dancing amidst a disco ball and a light-up, checkered dance floor. A transplant patient, he enjoys drawing, playing video games, talking to his friends and going out with his family. His role models are his doctors “because they help people” and he aspires to be a doctor when he grows up.

The contest raises awareness of the importance of supporting pediatric kidney disease patients from diagnosis through transplantation.

Click here to vote  for the cover artist.