Community Health Survey

LaceUp for the Virtual New York City Kidney Walk Sunday November 8

LaceUp for the Virtual New York City Kidney Walk Sunday November 8

“I walk for my fellow fighters and for those who struggle every day. I walk to support the National Kidney Foundation.” – Christine Garcia Rubin, 2020 NYC Kidney Walk committee member, team captain, and 2x transplant recipient. 

On November 8th, 2020, at 10:30 AM EST, current and former patients, caretakers, and all others impacted by kidney disease can lace up their shoes to participate in New York City’s virtual Kidney Walk. 

Since 2008, the Kidney Walk has grown from a few hundred participants to thousands of walkers from over 90 locations. 

Not An Average Year

While the interest and stakes—over 37 million individuals are impacted by kidney disease in the United States—are higher than ever, things are much different this year. Jummy Olabanji, anchor and reporter at NBC4 News in Washington D.C., and National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Board Member acknowledged the COVID-19 pandemic’s looming impact on this year’s walk: 

“We know that 2020 is not your average year. Our kidney walk has not been immune to change. We are excited to share that LaceUp is a new way to walk; it’s a new way to join our movement of hope and health for kidney disease patients, caretakers, and friends by taking your own walk at home.” 

This year, you are invited to join in on promoting kidney health by walking at home, a local park, or a location in your community where you can safely social distance. 

Connect in a New and Meaningful Way

Nevertheless, while you may not be able to physically walk side-by-side with your family and friends, the LaceUp event still seeks to keep you connected with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) community. You are encouraged to create a walk team and share your walk day experiences on social media with #KidneyWalkLaceUp, #LaceUpNYC, and #NYToughKidneyStrong. 

This year’s national goal is to have 37,000 participants across the country, representing the 37 million people managing the challenges associated with kidney disease. In New York City, the hope is that 3,700 of you—from all five boroughs (including Westchester and Northern New Jersey), will come out to LaceUp. 

Does kidney disease impact you? Then you can take these steps to plan to LaceUp, and become a part of the 3,700: 

  • Register your team at kidney.rallybound.org/NewYorkCity
  • Recruit family and friends to join your team to walk with you. 
  • Build your walk day outfit by setting fundraising goals. This year’s fundraising goal is $500,000, and to-date, supporters have already raised $227, 777. The funds you raise allow you to pick from Kidney Walk apparel swag like branded socks, masks, laces, and shirts, which you can wear on November 8th, 2020
  • Download the Kidney Walk 2020 mobile app to track your steps and fundraising progress. 
  • Join the opening ceremony at 10:30 AM EST by streaming the event on YouTube, Facebook, or Zoom. 
  •  Share your experiences on social media with #KidneyWalkLaceUp and tag @NKFGNY during your walk. 
  • Share the flyer below! 

Supporting New Patients

The effects of kidney disease are touching many, and the numbers are increasing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 hospitalizations are leading to 15 percent of patients developing acute kidney injuries. Your dedication to walk and your donations will allow us to continue to support these new kidney disease patients and raise awareness around this growing problem.  

Paige Murray, a development coordinator for the NKF New York team, discussed how the organization has stepped in to support kidney patients during this challenging time: 

“We immediately went to work on behalf of patients when several dialysis-related procedures like organ recovery and transplant surgeries were threatened by the pandemic. We urged the federal government to clarify that these were essential surgeries so they could continue.” 

The Kidney Walk Lace-Up virtual event in New York City is one of the many ways NKF is pivoting to continue to offer community to kidney disease patients and caretakers while also raising funds to manage the unique health challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

To participate, be sure to visit kidney.rallybound.org/NewYorkCity to: 

  • See the walk day schedule. 
  • Access the Kidney Walk toolkit.
  • Register your team, and donate funds you have raised. 

If you have any questions, contact Quin Works at quin.works@kidney.org.

We look forward to seeing you LaceUp in NYC on November 8th! Also, be sure to share the flyer below!

 

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