Delaware Kidney Walk Returning to Cape Henlopen State Park, Sept. 21

LEWES, DE. – The National Kidney Foundation Serving Maryland and Delaware (NKFMDDE) will hold its 17th annual Delaware Kidney Walk, Sunday, Sept. 21, at Cape Henlopen State Park (15099 Cape Henlopen Dr., Lewes, DE 19958). More than 500 people are expected to step up to raise awareness of kidney disease, organ donation and the importance of early screening and a healthy lifestyle for those at risk.

“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,” said NKFMDDE Executive Director Lisa Zawacki. “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.”

Check-in begins at 10 a.m. at the Beach Pavilion Area. Following a brief opening ceremony with the families of Youth Ambassadors, Dawson Davis (6) of Dover, DE, and Willow Miller (9) of Nottingham, PA – both affected by kidney disease, the Walk kicks off at 11 a.m.

Participants can enjoy a scenic 3-mile patient-friendly route accessible for pets, strollers and wheelchairs. The event will also feature entertainment from DJ Manny Mann, a performance by the Cape Henlopen Marching Band, refreshments, interactive vendor booths and the Kidney Kid’s Corner with face painting and games.

Event proceeds will directly support NKF’s patient services, education and research efforts in Delaware and Maryland. Participation is free, but donations are encouraged. Everyone who raises a minimum of $100 will receive a commemorative Walk T-shirt. Additional recognition gifts will be awarded for meeting various fundraising levels.

For online registration, visit www.kidneywalk.org/delaware. To learn about local sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, call Graham Bryant at 410.494.8545 ext. 442. To date, top sponsors of the Delaware Kidney Walk include Amgen, Alexion, HomeWell Care Services, Otsuka, Novartis and WFSF Bank.

In addition to the Delaware Kidney Walk, NKF will hold the Maryland Kidney Walk at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Oct. 19. Kidney Walk is the nation's largest fundraiser to fight kidney disease. Held in more than 50 communities, thousands of walkers join NKF annually to raise over $10 million to help kidney patients and their families each year. More than 84 cents of every dollar raised directly supports NKF programs and services.

Kidney Disease Facts
Kidney disease is the 8th leading cause of death in the United States, affecting 35.5 million adults. Approximately 2,500 Delawareans are on dialysis, and more than 400 Delawareans are on the organ transplant waiting list. Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and family history.

About NKF
The National Kidney Foundation is revolutionizing the fight to save lives by eliminating preventable kidney disease, accelerating innovation for the dignity of the patient experience, and dismantling structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis and transplantation. For more information, visit www.kidney.org.