'Walk for Kidney Health' will raise awareness and support patients

Aug. 20 event helps to fund local programs year-round

People with chronic kidney disease, transplant recipients, living donors and other members of Western New York's kidney community will come together at the “Walk for Kidney Health” on Sunday, Aug. 20. This year’s event will be held at the Lakeside Complex of the Buffalo Outer Harbor. The “Walk for Kidney Health” helps to raise awareness about kidney issues, support individuals with health challenges, and fund programs throughout the year.

The event benefits the Kidney Foundation of Western New York, a locally based nonprofit that offers education and assistance to patients, organizes free screenings, and increases community understanding of kidney health.

A press release stated, “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.

“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.”

The Aug. 20 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.