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American Kidney Fund Announces its Multi-City Kidney Action Day and Steps That Count Walkathon to Fight Kidney Disease

Wednesday, June 1, 2011 General News
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Walkathon, Free Kidney Health Screenings and Family Activities Scheduled for Washington, San Antonio, Houston and Atlanta
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ROCKVILLE, Md., June 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the American Kidney Fund (AKF) announced its multi-city schedule for Kidney Action Day, which includes the Steps that Count fundraising walkathon. The organization will kick off the event, which features free kidney health screenings and family-friendly activities, at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, June 11, 2011, followed by events in San Antonio, Houston and Atlanta later in the year.  
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Kidney Action Day brings together thousands of health advocates, patients and members of the community each year to raise funds for the American Kidney Fund's programs and services that help kidney patients and those who are at risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). The event is also designed to educate those who are at risk about the simple actions that can help to prevent CKD.

"Understanding your risk is a critical first step in the fight against kidney disease. Kidney Action Day helps raise awareness," said LaVarne A. Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund. "It also raises critical funds needed to help in the fight against kidney disease. Perhaps most importantly, the event can help empower people to take charge of their health and prevent kidney disease."

CKD is the nation's ninth leading cause of death, and it is estimated that as many as 31 million people in the United States are living with the disease. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of CKD.

"CKD is known as a silent killer because it typically has no visible symptoms until it is far advanced," explained Burton. "It is often preventable, and that is the key—even simple lifestyle changes can help. And if a person is found through testing to have early CKD, its progression can often be stopped or slowed." Left undiagnosed and untreated, CKD can lead to heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure and death.

As part of the event, free health screenings– open to both Steps That Count walk participants and members of the public – will be offered.  The screenings will check for indicators of kidney and heart health, diabetes, and other important health measures. Kidney Action Day will also feature healthy food samples, cooking and fitness demonstrations, among other activities aimed at increasing awareness of kidney disease.

The schedule for this year's Kidney Action Day tour includes:

  • June 11, 2011, Washington, D.C., at Nationals Park;
  • October 1, 2011, San Antonio, at the AT&T Center;
  • October 16, 2011, Houston, at Discovery Green; and
  • November 12, 2011, Atlanta, at Turner Field.
The American Kidney Fund is dedicated to fighting kidney disease through direct financial support to patients in need, education and prevention efforts. In 2010, AKF provided $209 million in treatment-related assistance to dialysis patients across the country and provided free health screenings to more than 13,000 at-risk individuals in 18 cities nationwide

For more information on Kidney Action Day and the Steps that Count walk, visit www.stepsthatcount.org.

For more information on the American Kidney Fund, visit www.kidneyfund.org.

About the American Kidney Fund

The mission of the American Kidney Fund is to fight kidney disease through direct financial support to patients in need; health education; and prevention efforts. The American Kidney Fund leads the nation in providing charitable assistance to dialysis patients who need help with the costs associated with treating kidney failure. Last year, 101,000 people—1 out of every 4 dialysis patients in the United States—received assistance from the American Kidney Fund for health insurance premiums and other treatment-related expenses. Millions of people nationwide benefit annually from the American Kidney Fund's efforts to fight kidney disease through public awareness campaigns, free health screenings, health education materials and courses, online outreach, and toll-free health information HelpLine (866-300-2900).

As a nine-time recipient of the top "Four Star" rating from Charity Navigator, the American Kidney Fund is ranked among the top 1 percent of charities nationwide for fiscal accountability. In addition, the American Kidney Fund holds an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy; adheres to the National Health Council Standards of Excellence; and is a member of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. For more information, visit www.kidneyfund.org.

SOURCE American Kidney Fund

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