NKF-MD to Hold Salisbury Kidney Walk May 4 at Winterplace Park
The National Kidney Foundation of Maryland (NKF-MD) will hold its eighthannual Salisbury Kidney Walk, Sunday, May 4, at Winterplace Park (6737 Blue Ribbon Rd.).
Approximately 500 people are expected to participate in this fun, inspiring, community fundraiser that calls attention to the prevention to the need for organ donation and prevention of kidney disease, which is the 9th leading cause of death in the United States and kills more people every year than breast cancer, prostate cancer or leukemia.
“One out of every nine Americans has or will develop chronic kidney disease, and most affected do not realize it until the condition has progressed,” said Nicole Scharf, NKF-MD’s director of field services for the Eastern Shore. “By teaming up for the Kidney Walk, we hope those at risk will hear the message and get their kidneys checked.”
Sharon Hurley, a PKD patient and living donor recipient, will return to chair the dog-friendly event. Registration and festivities begins at 9 a.m. Following warm-up exercises and announcements by WMDT-TV Meteorologist Daniel Johnson, the walk will kick off at 10 a.m. There will be a 3-mile route, as well as a shorter path.
Adding to the fun, the event will feature refreshments from Panera Bread and Aquafina, music by Moonbeam Entertainment and the Kidney Kids Corner with face painting and games. With a $10 donation, dogs and owners can be a part of the “Kidney Paws for a Cause” and receive a goody bag with dog treats, as well as engraved dog tags from All Aboard Grooming and Kennels.
There is no registration fee, but $100 is the minimum required amount to receive a Kidney Walk t-shirt.
Sponsorships also are available. For pre-registration, or information about sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, call 410-726-8732 or visit www.kidneywalk.org.
NKF-MD will hold a total of four Kidney Walk events (including a second Delmarva area walk, Apr. 27 at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes). The walks are locally presented by the Charles T. Bauer Foundation. Top sponsors include Fresenius Medical Care, The Greene Turtle of Salisbury, Peninsula Nephrology Associates and Walgreen’s.
Funds raised through Kidney Walk will directly support NKF-MD’s patient services, education and research efforts. More than 4,000 people participated in the 2013 Kidney Walk events, which raised over $430,000.
Kidney Disease Facts
- 1 in 3 American adults is at risk for kidney disease.
- The risk of developing kidney disease increases to 1 in 2 over the course of a lifetime.
- Approximately 427,000 Americans are on dialysis, with treatment costs for the average patient at $70,000 per year.
- On the Delmarva Peninsula, more than 1,200 people are on dialysis.
- In Delaware, 438 people are waiting on a kidney.
About NKF-MD
Now celebrating its 50th year as an affiliate, the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland, serving central and western Maryland, the Delmarva Peninsula and portions of West Virginia, is the area’s only voluntary health agency dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of kidney and urinary tract diseases. For more information, visit www.kidneymd.org.
