Eastern Iowa Kidney Walk set for Sept. 16

On Sunday, September 16, dozens of walkers will step up for the Annual Eastern Iowa Kidney Walk and help raise awareness and funds to support the fight against kidney disease.

“This walk will help many others take the lifesaving step of getting their kidneys checked,” said Amy Busack, Regional Vice President of the National Kidney Foundation Serving Iowa. “By participating in the Kidney Walk, we're all helping sound the alert that anyone with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease should get their kidneys screened -- that's over 73 million, or 1 in 3 Americans at risk."

The Kidney Walk is a non-competitive mile-long stroll that raises funds to fight kidney disease through prevention, advocacy and education. In Iowa alone, it is estimated there are 300,000 people with kidney disease, and over 500 are awaiting kidney transplants.

The Walk will be held at Cherry Hill Park in Cedar Rapids.  Onsite registration begins at 2 p.m. and the Walk starts at 3 p.m. Walkers participate as individuals or form teams with family, friends or colleagues. The Walk will also feature entertainment and kids activities. Walkers are encouraged to fundraise for the event. Those interested in getting involved or supporting a walker can visit www.kidneywalk.org.

The Eastern Iowa Kidney Walk is sponsored by DaVita, Van Meter Inc., Accurate Home Care and General Mills.

The National Kidney Foundation is dedicated to the prevention of kidney disease, improving the health and well-being of patients and families affected by this disease and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation.  For more information or to support the event, call the National Kidney Foundation serving Iowa at 515-222-2264 or visit

www.kidneywalk.org.