Malvern Resident Steps Up As Philadelphia Kidney Walk Chair

Wells Fargo Vice President Steps Up to Fight Kidney Disease

August 9, 2016 – Malvern, PA resident, Bill Shipp has been named a 2016 Kidney Walk Chair for the National Kidney Foundation’s 2016 Philadelphia Kidney Walk. The walk will take place on Sunday, October 9th at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Shipp is vice president for business development at Wells Fargo, where he focuses on providing solutions to the business and healthcare industries. His tenure in the financial industry includes positions ranging from financial analyst to CFO. In 2013, Shipp was awarded the prestigious, “Top 40 Under 40” award by the Philadelphia Business Journal. His passion, however, remains in helping individuals and families in need.

“Bill brings so much excitement and energy to this year’s leadership committee and we’re honored that he’s stepping up as chair of the Philadelphia Kidney Walk,” said Christin Kwasny, Executive Director for the National Kidney Foundation serving the Delaware Valley.

“Bill’s support is vital to our mission of raising awareness of kidney disease in the community.”

In Pennsylvania alone, more than 25,000 people receive dialysis treatment for kidney failure and 6,600 are on the waiting list for a life-saving kidney transplant. It is estimated that 1 in 9 Pennsylvanians have kidney disease, and most don’t know it because symptoms usually appear late in the disease’s progression.

“I am honored to lead this inspirational event because my dear friend suffers from kidney disease,” explained Shipp.

“I just never realized how many individuals need support. The Kidney Walk is designed to help raise awareness of kidney disease and bring communities together and that’s what we plan to do.”

Health and wellness coach, Ramona Fasula, and former Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader, Erin Goga, will also join Shipp in leading the nation's largest fundraiser to fight kidney disease as co-chairs. This year, the Philadelphia Kidney Walk expects over 4,000 participants and plans to raise $400,000.

“The funds we raise at the Kidney Walk help with giving back to the local community through education and research while also supporting patients and their families,” said Shipp.

“There’s nothing like supporting a wonderful cause and connecting with the community.”

The Kidney Walk is a non-competitive event that raises funds to fight kidney disease through awareness, prevention and treatment programs. Walkers participate as individuals or form teams with family, friends or colleagues. This year’s Kidney Walk Kickoff Party will be held on September 10th at Dave and Busters in Plymouth Meeting, PA, and anyone interested in the walk is welcome to join. Those interested in registering for the Philadelphia Kidney Walk can contact Loren Yakopcic for more information 215-923-8611 ext. 732.

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the leading organization in the U.S. dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease for hundreds of thousands of healthcare professionals, millions of patients and tens of millions of Americans at risk. For more information, visit www.kidney.org.

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