Walk for Kidney Health supports patient programs and education

Aug. 21 event brings together local kidney community

The Walk for Kidney Health will return to the Buffalo Outer Harbor on Sunday, Aug. 21. The annual event is an opportunity for the community to show support for people with kidney disease, share health information and honor organ donors. The walk is this year’s main fundraiser for the Kidney Foundation of Western New York.

“Kidney disease is common but often invisible,” said Walk Chairperson Christine Stolzenburg. “Our walk brings together individuals and families to show that they’re not facing these challenges alone.”

The Kidney Foundation of Western New York conducts educational programs, offers free screenings and provides support to patients.

It said, “Recognizing risks to kidney heath, taking preventative steps, and detecting problems early can improve outcomes for people with kidney disease. Awareness and education give people opportunities to slow the progression of kidney disease, explore treatment options and improve their quality of life.

Nearly one in eight Western New York adults have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Many others have undiagnosed kidney problems. A person can lose about 90% of kidney function before noticing symptoms, so awareness and medical testing are important for those at increased risk. Someone who reaches kidney failure will require dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive.”

“A diagnosis of kidney disease can be overwhelming, but we work to help people understand the disease and their options,” Kidney Foundation Director Jeremy Morlock said. “The Walk for Kidney Health is a celebration of resilience, hope and healing.”

The Aug. 21 event will include a 5K at 8 a.m., a one-mile fun walk at 9:30 a.m., outdoor games, health information and a basket raffle. Participation in the walk is free, but advance registration is requested at www.kfwny.org/walk or by calling 716-529-4390. Registration for the timed 5K is $25. 

The Kidney Foundation of Western New York works to increase awareness of kidney disease, provide education on kidney health, and support patients and their families. The locally based nonprofit serves Erie, Niagara, Wyoming, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee and Orleans counties. It is not affiliated with the National Kidney Foundation.