National Kidney Foundation of Michigan hosts Kidney Walk to Help Fight Kidney Disease

Posted: Aug 20, 2012 at 2:51 PM [Aug 20, 2012]

More than 900,000 Michigan residents are currently living with chronic kidney disease and most don’t even know it. The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) is asking you to help the fight against kidney disease. Join us at Concordia University on Sunday, September 9 at 1:00 p.m. (registration at noon) to participate in the Ann Arbor/Brighton Kidney Walk!

Walkers of all ages are invited to be part of the fun by walking individually or forming a team with family, friends, and co-workers. The day will include food and refreshments; incentive prizes for those raising funds; kids’ activities including face painting, balloon sculptures, and a photo station; live entertainment; and more!

Walkers will have a choice of a one-mile route, and a one-and-a-half-mile route. Both will offer refreshments and entertainment along the way.

Funds from the Ann Arbor/Brighton Kidney Walk go to the NKFM’s Peer Mentoring Program. Peer mentors empower new patients to move forward with their lives after being diagnosed with kidney disease or kidney failure.

“The Peer Mentoring program gives new kidney patients the opportunity to connect with their peers who have gone through similar experiences,” said NKFM President and CEO Daniel Carney. “Peer Mentors help new patients understand that life does not end with kidney disease. In addition to patient services, the Kidney Walk will draw attention to the importance of preventing kidney disease and its two leading causes, diabetes and high blood pressure.”

The Ann Arbor/Brighton Kidney Walk is sponsored by Meijer, Fresenius Medical Care, the Nephrology Associates of Michigan, and many other local sponsors. For more information or to register, visit KidneyWalk.org or call the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan at 800-482-1455. On-site registration will also be accepted.

The mission of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan is to prevent kidney disease and improve the quality of life for those living with it. The NKFM is widely known for providing more programs and services to more people than any other region or state. The organization was recognized for its success in sound fiscal management by receiving a 4-star rating, five years in a row, from Charity Navigator—the nation’s leading charity evaluator.