Rappel for Kidney Health Moving to 28-Story Baltimore Skyscraper,

LUTHERVILLE, Md. – The National Kidney Foundation Serving Maryland and Delaware (NKFMDDE) will take the fight against kidney disease 28 stories high. Its ninth annual Rappel for Kidney Health signature event will take place Saturday, June 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 201. N. Charles St. – a Blue Ocean Realty property in Downtown Baltimore.

Up to 100 fearless souls of all ages have the chance to descend a Baltimore skyscraper with breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Inner Harbor. Participants include adventure seekers and kidney patient, as well as their friends, relatives and coworkers. Plus, employees can rally with their coworkers to send their boss “over the edge” in the event’s “Toss Your Boss” challenge.

Also rappelling will be the event’s celebrity ambassador, Global Recording Artist Philadelphia Freeway – known for being signed to Roc Nation. His documentary, Free Will details his battle with kidney disease while giving fans a personal, behind-the-scenes look of his life and career. Freeway will sign autographs and pose for pictures with Rappel participants and supporters.

“Living with Chronic Kidney Disease is a huge challenge and I can’t wait to take the fight to new heights by rappelling 28 stories in order to raise awareness and funds for the National Kidney Foundation,” said Freeway. “Come out and join me and my team in this amazing adventure as we educate and celebrate.”

All participants – individuals and teams – will receive a fundraising webpage to assist in reaching the required $1,000 minimum to participate in the event. Once the money is raised, they will undergo Rappel training, and receive an event T-shirt and commemorative photo of their Rappel. They also will be cheered on by spectators in the landing zone area filled with entertainment, games and fun. Those who are “too chicken” to rappel can join in the excitement by watching from the landing zone and making a donation to fund NKFMDDE’s Patient Emergency Assistance Program or to fund a kidney patient’s rappel.

“Rappel for Kidney Health is a one-of-a-kind event in Baltimore,” said Event Chair and NKFMDDE Board Member Chris Simon (social worker, Independent Dialysis Foundation, Inc.). “Participants will get the thrill of a lifetime while raising funds to ensure that local kidney patients to receive financial support for their life-saving medication, rent/utility relief, transportation to their vital dialysis treatments and more.”

Event logistics are organized by Over the Edge (www.overtheedgeusa.com), a special events company that provides signature rappel events for non-profit organizations in North America. Sponsors include Blue Ocean Realty, Constellation, OmegaCor and University of Maryland Medical Center, as well as NKFMDDE annual partners: CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Johns Hopkins and MANA.

Through the years, Rappel for Kidney Health has attracted nearly 600 participants and raised over $700,000 to support NKFMDDE’s local patient services, education and research efforts. This year, the Foundation hopes to raise over $130,000. To register for Rappel for Kidney Health, support a Rappel participant, donate to NKFMDDE or learn about corporate sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, visit www.kidneymd.org or call 410.494.8545.

About NKF

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the largest, most comprehensive and longstanding organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease. For more information, visit www.kidney.org.