The 10th annual New York City Kidney Walk will take place on Sunday.
According to the nonprofit National Kidney Foundation, the fundraiser aims to call attention to the 26 million Americans who have chronic kidney disease. That’s one in nine Americans.
“Every year kidney disease affects more and more people. The increasing number of those diagnosed with kidney disease only makes the seven to nine year kidney transplant waiting list grow longer," said Lindsay Gilman, who works at the foundation.
More than 7,000 people are expected to participate in the Oct. 16 event – compared to 6,000 last year, said Gilman.
Walkers will gather at the South Street Seaport in Lower Manhattan before the 5K walk begins at 10:30 a.m. Participants will walk up to the Brooklyn Bridge and about three-quarters of the way across before turning around, said Gilman.
NBC’s “30 Rock” actor, Grizz Chapman, who had a kidney transplant last summer, is the 2011 National Kidney Walk Chairman.
At Sunday’s event, Chapman will seek to spread awareness about early disease detection and the national shortage of donor organs.
Walkers who raise more than $100 will be rewarded for their fundraising efforts. Prizes include official Kidney Walk T-shirts and tote bags.
For more information and to register, please click here.
