Kidneydiet@onelist.com is a forum for kidney patients hoping to preserve renal function with a low-protein diet. It is moderated by a former volunteer with the National Institute of Health's MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) project (1989-1994). Suggestions will be offered about determining protein levels in foods, support and encouragement provided for the critical step in giving up high-protein foods (meat, eggs, cheese, etc), tips made concerning restaurants and holidays, and hope offered to and from those who are managing to avoid dialysis and/or transplantation with this effective, inexpensive, agreeable change in lifestyle. The forum has no professional standing, and will not try to replace or supplant the critical role of nephrologists and nutritionists in maintaining health. But kidney patients who elect this diet may feel "I'm all alone with my new, weird eating habits," particularly in a family setting, so the forum might offer help and hope, and provide a "virtual" form of the "centering phenomenon" than can be helpful in preserving health.