More than 500 participants will be walking in the 17th annual Delaware Kidney Walk, which is set to take place on Sunday, Sept. 21, at Cape Henlopen State Park. The event, which consists of a 3-mile accessible walk open to all ages and abilities, is meant to raise awareness for kidney disease and the importance of organ donation and early screenings.
This event is hosted by the National Kidney Foundation Serving Maryland and Delaware and is part of the National Kidney Foundation’s wider Kidney Walk campaign — the largest kidney disease fundraiser in the U.S. More than 50 communities hold similar walks every year, with this year’s campaign expected to raise over $10 million for kidney disease research and providing support for patients.
“Funds raised from this critical opportunity will allow NKF to provide all patients with a better quality of life through research, advocacy and increasing living kidney donation,” says NKFMDDE Executive Director Lisa Zawacki in a news release. “We need your support now more than ever; families need information and answers to stay healthy and advocate for patients who need priority access to safe dialysis and transplants.”
The Delaware event will be kicked off by a ceremony by the families of youth ambassadors Dawson Davis (6) of Dover, Delaware, and Willow Miller (9) of Nottingham, Pennsylvania. Both are kidney disease survivors whose families have been participating in the Kidney Walk for many years.
“She doesn’t allow her medical condition to define her,” says Willow’s mother, Christina Koonce. “We try to educate others that are going through the same thing Willow has gone through over the years.”
The walk itself will be followed by a community festival featuring a performance by the Cape Henlopen Marching Band, a vendor fair and interactive children’s activities at the Kidney Kid’s Corner.
Anyone can participate in the Kidney Walk at no cost, but donations are encouraged. For more information, visit kidneywalk.org/delaware.
