Virtual kidney walk fundraiser set Oct. 24

The National Kidney Foundation Serving Maryland & Delaware invites the community to lace up their shoes in the fight against kidney disease. The virtual Maryland & Delaware Kidney Walk is set for Sunday, Oct. 24.

Designed to raise awareness of kidney disease and celebrate hope for the 37 million American adults affected by it, the event will commence with a live broadcast at 10 a.m. featuring stories from kidney patients, a look at kidney walks past and all that unites those dealing with the disease. It’s an opportunity for participants to come together virtually in a time of ongoing isolation to demonstrate their shared commitment to the lives of kidney patients and their loved ones.

To help keep kidney patients and those who care for them safe during the ongoing pandemic, participants can walk, run, bike, climb the stairs, do jumping jacks or push-ups or any activity to raise money to support kidney patients by walk day. 

There’s never been a more important time than now for raising awareness and critical fundraising dollars for families facing kidney disease. People with kidney disease and transplant recipients continue to face a heightened risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19.

Worse still, patients hospitalized with COVID-19 are developing kidney failure and becoming kidney patients. The COVID-19 pandemic magnified long-standing health inequities that disproportionately impacted people of color in under-resourced communities – those who are also at greatest risk of developing kidney disease.

“Funds raised from Kidney Walk will allow NKF to help protect patients with kidney disease from the dangers of COVID-19 while maintaining our commitment to provide all patients with a better quality of life through research, advocacy and increasing living kidney donation,” said Pattie Dash, foundation executive director. “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.”

Each participant will get a webpage and can earn fundraising incentives. To register, go to kidneywalk.org/MDDE.