The National Kidney Foundation of Florida is proud to present the Inaugural Miami Kidney Walk taking place on Sunday, February 11, 2007 at Bayfront Park in Miami. The Kidney Walk presents an occasion for dialysis patients, organ transplant recipients, donor families, the medical community and the general public to celebrate life and support the Foundation’s mission.
“There are more than 19,000 Floridians who survive thanks to dialysis,” said Juliet Venzara of the National Kidney Foundation of Florida. The Miami Kidney Walk is part of the National Kidney Foundation of Floridas broader campaign to educate the public and at-risk populations about kidney disease. Kidney failure is irreversible and can only be treated by dialysis or transplant, therefore preventing people at-risk from going into kidney failure is core to the Foundations mission. These at-risk populations include those with high blood pressure, diabetes, family history of kidney disease, Hispanics, and African Americans.
George and Ann Lopez, National Honorary Chairmen for the Kidney Walk program
Actor and comedian George Lopez and his wife, Ann, transplant recipient and living donor are leading the way together, “Side by Side for Life.” Lopez and his wife are National Honorary Chairs of the Kidney Walk to show their support of early detection of kidney disease and transplantation. The Kidney Walk is open to all residents and the National Kidney Foundation of Florida encourages people to visit www.MiamiKidneyWalk.org to register to participate and learn more.
The NKF Kidney Walks are a 5K non-competitive walk designed to help people understand the need for early detection of kidney disease. In addition to raising funds for research and help for patients and their families, the Walk is a great way to bring the community together, according to Venzara. With local family and corporate support in the community the National Kidney Foundation of Florida anticipates reaching its fundraising goal of $300,000 for the National Kidney Foundation of Florida.
Charles Schuette, Miami Kidney Walk Chairman and Judge Marilyn Millian from the Peoples Court
Victor Maya, CEO of Kendall Regional Medical Center is one of the many local companies committed to the cause. “I am encouraging all of my hospital leaders to participate in the Miami Kidney Walk because it is a good cause,” said Maya. “This walk will help create awareness about kidney disease and we want to be a part of that.”
Recently, Majic 102.7 radio personality Donna Davis and Kidney Walk Chair Charles Schuette, along with 130 Team Captains Kicked-off their fundraising efforts for the Miami Kidney Walk. Corporate leaders and Team Captains from companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, Kendall Regional Medical Center, Codina Group, Davita, Abbott Renal Care, Fresenius Medical Care, Orion Medical Enterprises, American Express, Coconut Grove Bank, Akerman Senterfitt, Mellon Bank, Colonial Bank and more were in attendance.
Fresenius Medical Care employees who are Walk Team Captains from each dialysis clinic
The NKF continues to seek corporations who are interested in sponsoring and creating Walk Teams in the fight against kidney disease. For more information on how to sponsor or become a Team Captain, contact Carina Montanari at cmontanari@kidneyfla.org or call (305) 854-5690.
