For the past 22 years, more than 70,000 metro Detroit walkers and supporters have teamed up to raise more than $6 million for the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan’s annual Kidney Walk at the Detroit Zoo, and this year the goal is to raise $600,000 more. The 2018 Walk will be held on Sunday, May 20 at the Detroit Zoo, located at 8450 West 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 8:45 a.m.
“The community’s role in the Kidney Walk, including sponsors, walkers, and other supporters is vital to our ability to provide programs and services to the one in nine Michigan residents who suffer from chronic kidney disease, as well as to help prevent or delay the disease,” said National Kidney Foundation of Michigan President and CEO, Linda Smith-Wheelock.
As the organization’s largest fundraising event, the Kidney Walk will draw attention to the importance of early detection and kidney disease prevention, while raising funds in support of kidney patients and their families. Festivities at this year’s event will include food, games, prizes, music, a kids area with face painting and temporary tattoos, and other activities; a kidney Champions’ Tent, massages, haircuts and much more.
Key statistics:
- More than 900,000 Michigan residents are living with chronic kidney disease and most don’t know it
- Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of chronic kidney disease
- 70% of kidney disease can be prevented
- One in nine people in Michigan have kidney disease
- 90 cents of every dollar raised for the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan goes back into the organization’s prevention programs and patient services
Bill Kolb, Global President, Diversified Agencies, McCann Worldgroup, will serve as the Honorary Chair at the Kidney Walk at the Detroit Zoo. The national presenting sponsor is Fresenius Medical Care. The two national multi-market partners are LogistiCare and Relypsa. The local presenting sponsor is McCann Worldgroup Detroit. Additional sponsors include Meijer, Greenfield Health Systems, DaVita, Madison Heights Glass, Magna Electronics – Holly Division, 98.7 Amp Radio, 104.3 WOMC, and Michigan Kidney Consultants.
Participants can register onsite on the day of the Walk or online before the Walk date. Registration is $25 per person (over the age of 12) and $10 per child for ages 3-12 and includes parking, Zoo admission, and activities. Kids under the age of 2 years old are free.
Additional fundraising beyond the registration fee is encouraged. Participants who raise $100 or more receive a Kidney Walk t-shirt.
For more information or to register, visit www.nkfm.org/walks or call the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan at 800-482-1455.
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