Kidney Foundation Walk-A-Thon

Your kidneys are organs you can’t live without. They filter blood, and remove waste from the blood. According to the Alabama Kidney Foundation, Alabama ranks 5th in the nation for kidney disease, and those who are involved with the foundation want to raise awareness about the disease. That's why they're having a walk-a-thon on Saturday, March 9, 2013.

The Alabama Kidney Foundation annual Walk-a-Thon is a fun event that increases community awareness of kidney disease while raising funds to support the Foundation’s assistance programs for kidney patients. Individuals and team walkers who want to make a difference in the lives of Alabama’s kidney patients are welcome to walk.

According to the Alabama Kidney Foundation, 60,000 people died of kidney disease last year, and more than 7,000 are living with the disease in Alabama, ranking the state 5th in the nation for its occurrence. This chronic illness is rampant in Alabama, particularly among African-Americans. Many patients live at or below the poverty level due to the devastating effects of this chronic illness. By participating in the annual Walk-a-Thon, you can help raise money for the Foundation’s three programs provided free to Alabama’s kidney patients in need: financial assistance, education and support services.

Last year, the Alabama Kidney Foundation provided assistance to thousands of kidney patients in need for daily living needs like medication, high utility bills, handicap equipment, and treatment related transportation. The event also funds the public awareness and patient education programs of the Foundation. That's something walk co-chairman Lisa Cooper is excited about. She received a renal transplant in 2007.  Events like the walk-a-thon help make it possible for Lisa and others to show how important funding and education can be to those living with kidney disease.

The Walk-A-Thon will be Saturday, March 9, at UMS Wright in Mobile. Registration begins at 7:30am, and the walk starts at 8:30am. Mobile Mayor Sam Jones is honorary co-chair along with Lisa Cooper. After the walk, there will be entertainment, door prizes, food, and a children’s area.

For more information, please call Becki Connally at 251-455-2123, or visit www.alkidney.org .