5K+ People Anticipated for Greater Baltimore Kidney Walk, Oct. 6

LUTHERVILLE, Md. – The National Kidney Foundation Serving Maryland and Delaware will hold its 17th annual Greater Baltimore Kidney Walk, Sunday, Oct. 6, at The Weinberg Y in Waverly (900 E. 33rd St., Baltimore, MD 21218).

More than 5,000 people are expected to step up to raise awareness of kidney disease, organ donation and the importance of early screening and healthy lifestyle for those at risk.

“Participating in Kidney Walk can help save lives,” said Returning Event Chair Lauren Asghari (founding partner of Alderson Loop, LLC and an NKF board member). “NKF reminds walkers that it only takes two simple tests at your primary care doctor’s office to check for any red flags. That’s important, because kidneys are essential to keeping us alive and healthy.”

Walkers are encouraged to dress in team costumes. Check in will begin at 9 a.m., when guests will be greeted by, Captain Dee-Fense, Major Offense and various mascots. Tisha Guthrie (fitness instructor, transplant recipient and NKF board member and kidney health advocate) of Bringing Our Community Joy will lead warm-up exercises.

Following a brief opening ceremony with Emcee Elsa M. (host, Midday Maryland, WMAR-TV 2) and Youth Ambassador Amari Luster (7-year-old Elkton resident with hydronephrosis participating in her sixth Kidney Walk), the Walk will kick off at 10 a.m. Participants can choose from a 3-mile route or 1-mile path for strollers and wheelchairs.

Post-walk highlights/activities include a cool down by Tina Brown of Divine Fitness and Health Services, Inc., a photobooth, music, the Kidney Kids Corner with face painting and games, a t-shirt design competition, prizes, giveaways and vendor exhibits.

Complimentary refreshments will be available from such vendors as Sprouts, Wegmans and 2Betties,who will provide a variety of renal friendly treats: in fact Kidney Walk will be one of the first places people can sample their Pumpkin Rounds. Participants also can purchase items from various food trucks and Kona Ice, who will donate 15 to 20 percent of sales back to NKF.

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 – including jackets – will be awarded for meeting various fundraising levels.

For online registration, visit www.kidneywalk.org. To learn about sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, call 410.494.8545 to speak with Pattie Dash.

Allmond & Company LLC is the presenting sponsor of the Greater Baltimore Kidney Walk. Mid-Atlantic Nephrology Associates is the platinum sponsor and will distribute baseball caps to kidney patients and transplant donors and recipients. Vascular Surgery Associates is the gold sponsor. To date, other top sponsors include Alderson Loop, AstraZeneca, Azura Vascular Care/ Fresenius Vascular Care, Independent Dialysis Foundation, Inc., Fresenius Medical Care, RELI Group and University of Maryland Medical Center.

The Kidney Walk is the nation's largest fundraiser to fight kidney disease. Held in nearly 100 communities, more than 85,000 walkers join NKF to raise more than $9 million to help kidney patients and their families each year. More than 80 cents of every dollar donated directly supports NKF programs and services. Fresenius Medical Care North America, the nation’s leading renal care company, is the National Presenting Sponsor of the 2019 Kidney Walk series.

Kidney Disease Facts

The number of American adults who have chronic kidney disease is now estimated to be 37 million – that’s one out of every seven or 15 percent of the adult population – according to the latest data analyzed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and family history. People of African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian or Pacific Islander descent are at increased risk for developing the disease. African Americans are 3 times more likely than Whites, and Hispanics are nearly 1.3 times more likely than non-Hispanics to develop end stage renal disease (kidney failure).

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.