Southern Delaware Kidney Walk steps off April 30
The National Kidney Foundation of Maryland and Delaware will hold its 15th annual Southern Delaware Kidney Walk Sunday, April 30, at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes.
Check-in begins at 10 a.m. at the Fort Miles Museum & Historical Area, and following a brief ceremony, the walk kicks off at 11 a.m. Participants can choose from a 3-mile route or a shorter, patient-friendly route for strollers and wheelchairs.
More than 300 people are expected to step up to raise awareness of kidney disease, organ donation, and the importance of early screening and healthy lifestyles for those at risk.
“Funds raised from this critical opportunity will allow NKF to provide all patients with a better quality of life through research, advocacy and increasing living kidney donation,” said event Chair Kristy Ferracci, an FKC dialysis technician who donated a kidney to her husband 16 years ago. “We need your help now to give families the information and answers they need to stay healthy, and advocate for patients who need priority access to vaccinations, safe dialysis and transplants.”
Also on hand will be entertainment; refreshments from Starbucks, Giant, Blue Scoop and Pepsi; interactive vendor booths; and the Kidney Kids Corner with face painting and games sponsored by Kohl’s.
Funds raised through Kidney Walk will directly support NKF’s local patient services, education and research efforts. Participation is free, but donations are encouraged. Everyone who raises a minimum of $100 will receive a commemorative walk T-shirt. Additional recognition gifts will be awarded for meeting various fundraising levels.
For online registration, go to kidneywalk.org. To learn about local sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, contact Nicole Scharf at 410-494-8546. To date, top sponsors of the Southern Delaware Kidney Walk include Beebe Healthcare, ChristianaCare, Horizon Therapeutics, Nephrology Associates, Somatus, Woody’s Dewey Beach, Dewey Beach Lions Club and We Care Nephrology.
Kidney disease is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, affecting 37 million adults. Approximately 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.
