Greater Baltimore Kidney Walk Moving to Weinberg Y in Waverly

LUTHERVILLE, Md. – The National Kidney Foundation Serving Maryland and Delaware will hold its 16th annual Greater Baltimore Kidney Walk, Sunday, May 6, at The Weinberg Y in Waverly in Baltimore (900 E. 33^rd St., 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. As the 9th leading cause of death in the United States, kidney disease affects 9,300 Marylanders. With the increase in diabetes and high blood pressure, the numbers continue to climb.

“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.”

International Recording Artist Philadelphia Freeway, known for being signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, will return as the Walk’s celebrity ambassador, who will pose for pictures and sign autographs. A recipient of the National Kidney Foundation Patient Advocacy Award, he also will give a special Rap performance and showcase Free Will, a documentary detailing his battle with kidney disease and giving fans a personal, behind-the-scenes look of his life and career.

“Think Free (free from kidney disease) and Live Hope (living donor needed). Living with Kidney Disease is an everyday battle for myself and 101,000 beautiful people currently on the national kidney transplant waiting list,” Freway said. “Walk with me and the Philly Freedom Fighters at the Baltimore Kidney Walk as we learn about the benefits of being a living donor, make a donation to the Baltimore Kidney Foundation, raise CKD awareness and party with ya boy Freeway and my team.”

Check in will begin at 9 a.m., when guests will be greeted by “The Band” Marching Unit, Captain Dee-Fense, Major Offense and Homer the Home Depot mascot. Walkers are encouraged to dress as their favorite comic book, cartoon, game or pop culture character.

Following warm-up exercises by Tisha Guthrie of Bringing Our Community Joy and a brief opening ceremony, 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., photobooth, fitness stations by MAC @ Harbor East and University of Maryland at Baltimore, vendor exhibits, the Home Depot KidsZone, facepainting, t-shirt decorating, prizes, giveaways and other fun ways to recognize kidney survivors and donors as superheroes.

Complimentary refreshments will be available and participants also can purchase items from the B'more Greek Grill, Jimmy's Famous Seafood, 2 Bold Chefs and Kona Ice food trucks, which will donate 15 to 20 percent of sales to NKF.

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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 executive director, 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. Top local sponsors include Alderson Loop, BG&E, Independent Dialysis Foundation, Inc., Kelly & Associates Insurance Group/KELLY Payroll (KELLY), Northern Pharmacy and University of Maryland Medical Center.

NKF will hold two additional events: the Southern Delaware Kidney Walk, Apr. 29, at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes and the Salisbury Kidney Walk, May 6 at WinterPlace Park. More than 6,000 people participated in the 2017 Maryland and Delaware Kidney Walk events, which raised $300,000.

Overall, Kidney Walk is the nation's largest fundraiser to fight kidney disease. Held in nearly 100 communities, 85,000+ walkers raise more than $9 million to help kidney patients and their families each year, with more than 80 cents of every dollar raised directly supporting NKF programs and services. Azura Vascular Care and Relypsa are national multi-market sponsors and Fresenius Medical Care is a national sponsor.

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.