More than 1,000 participants will be walking in the 23rd annual Maryland Kidney Walk, which is set to take place Oct. 19, at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. The event, which consists of a 2-mile accessible walk open to all ages and abilities, is meant to raise awareness for kidney disease and the importance of organ donation and early screenings.
This event is hosted by the National Kidney Foundation Serving Maryland and Delaware (NKFMDDE) and is part of the National Kidney Foundation’s (NKF) wider Kidney Walk campaign — the largest kidney disease fundraiser in the U.S. More than 50 communities hold similar walks every year, with this year’s campaign expected to raise more than $10 million for kidney disease research and providing support for patients.
“Funds raised from this critical opportunity will allow NKF to provide all patients with a better quality of life through research, advocacy and increasing living kidney donation,” says NKFMDDE Executive Director Lisa Zawacki in a news release. “We need your support now more than ever; families need information and answers to stay healthy and advocate for patients who need priority access to safe dialysis and transplants.”
The Maryland event will be kicked off by a ceremony emceed by FOX45 BMORE Lifestyle host Tiffany “Lady T” Watson and the family of 2025 Maryland Kidney Walk Youth Ambassador Jordan Robertson (21) of Catonsville, who recently underwent a successful kidney transplant.
Robertson had kidney cancer when she was 4 years old, which she eventually beat through chemotherapy and radiation. At age 17, though, she was found to have kidney disease and started the search for a donor.
“I had a massive event in my community to start a search for a live donor,” Robertson wrote in a statement. “The community really came through and supported me with so many donations and kind gestures. I couldn’t be more thankful for that day.”
The walk itself will be followed by a community festival featuring a vendor fair and interactive children’s activities at the Kidney Kid’s Corner. DJ Young Fresh Prince, a 19-year-old transplant recipient and NKFMDDE ambassador from Frederick, will be providing music for the event.
Anyone can participate in the Kidney Walk at no cost, but donations are encouraged. For more information, visit www.kidneywalk.org/maryland.
