Kidney Walk brings hope and help

The National Kidney Foundation of Maryland and Delaware held its annual Southern Delaware Kidney Walk April 28 at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes.

The event raised more than $70,000.

More than 400 participants walked from the pavilion on a three-mile route, or a shorter, patient-friendly route for strollers and wheelchairs. The event raises awareness of kidney disease, organ donation and the importance of early screening and healthy lifestyles for those at risk.

“Thanks to the generosity of the community, we are able to make a tangible difference in the lives of those suffering from kidney disease,” said Nicole Scharf, associate executive director of the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland and Delaware. 

The ribbon was cut by Willow Miller, a 8-year-old superstar who was born with multicystic dysplastic kidney. She had her first urinary tract infection at 9 months old, and she continued to have them very frequently. Over the years, Willow has had many procedures, and the family has learned so much about her medical complexities. Willow had a nephrectomy in 2019, when they removed her non-functioning left kidney. Despite this, she continued to have UTIs over and over.

In 2020, Willow had a life-changing procedure called a mitrofanoff. In September of that same year, she had another large surgery called a bladder augmentation.

“We walk to bring awareness to kidney disease and help raise resources for the National Kidney Foundation,” said Willow’s mom, Christina. “Our goal is for people to get tested for kidney disease; early detection equals early treatment, and it could make all the difference. We walk to draw attention to the greatest gift you can give, being a living donor. Willow, at this time, doesn’t need a kidney, and we pray she never does.”

Kidney disease is the 10th-leading cause of death in the United States, affecting 37 million adults. About 1,650 Delawareans are on dialysis, and more than 158 Delawareans are on the organ transplant waiting list. Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and family history.

For more information, go to kidney.org. Go to kidneywalk.org/southerndelaware to donate.