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For Immediate Release Contact: Patrice Basso
913-262-1551 Ext. 474
Mid-Missouri’s Second Annual Kidney Walk to Take Place In Columbia, MO
.
(Columbia, MO) – On April 16, walkers will lace up for the second annual Mid-Missouri
Kidney Walk to raise awareness and funds for the fight against kidney disease in
Columbia and
surrounding areas.
The National Kidney Foundation’s (NKF) Kidney Walk is the nation’s largest fundraiser to
fight kidney disease. This event raises awareness of kidney disease, organ donation and
the importance of early screening and healthy lifestyle for those at risk.
“This walk will help many others take the lifesaving step of getting their kidneys
checked,” said Chad Iseman, Division President of the National Kidney Foundation’s
North and South Central divisions. “By participating in the Kidney Walk, we're all
helping sound the alert that anyone with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family
history of kidney disease should get their kidneys screened.”
26 million Americans have kidney disease, and most of them don’t know it. In Missouri
alone, nearly 667,854 residents have chronic kidney disease and are being treated for
kidney failure. An additional 2,679,017 residents are at an increased risk of developing
kidney disease; 44% of the population.
“The Walk is important because it educates people how to better detect kidney disease,
“ said Katlyn Benskin, Co-Chair of the Mid-Missouri Kidney Walk. “I look forward to
seeing the returning teams as well as those joining us this year. It is amazing to see
everyone come together to unite under one cause.”
The Walk will be held at Stephens Lake Park in Columbia. Onsite registration begins at
8:30 A.M. and the Walk starts at 10:00 A.M. Walkers may participate as individuals or
form teams with family, friends or colleagues. The Walk will also feature free food,
entertainment, activities for children, health vendors coordinated by Healthcare USA,
and NKF educational information. Although it is free to register for this event, walkers
are strongly encouraged to fundraise. Those interested in getting involved or supporting
a walker can visit www.kidneywalk.org for more information.
The Kidney Walk’s National Presenting Sponsor is Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.
Additional local sponsors include DCI, Nephrology & Hypertension Associates,
University of Missouri Health Care, Kilgore’s Pharmacy, Davita, Aetna and Missouri
Kidney Program.
The National Kidney Foundation is the leading organization in the U.S. dedicated to
the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease. For more information, visit
www.kidney.org.
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