FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Tenee Hawkins
Director of Communications
404.658.1423
thawkins@kidneyfund.org

Hundreds of Supporters Expected at American Kidney Fund’s ‘Steps that Count’ Walkathon

Silver Spring, MD (October 20) – The American Kidney Fund will hold its 4th Annual Steps That Count walkathon, a walk for kidney patients, in downtown Silver Spring on Sunday, Oct. 25. Hundreds of friends and supporters of the American Kidney Fund will complete a three-mile walk to help raise funds for kidney patients in need. Sonya Foster, Account Executive with Comcast Spotlight, will serve as Walk Chair for this year’s event.

“I look forward to our Maryland/Washington, D.C. Steps that Count walk every year because it allows the community to come together to raise awareness for kidney disease, which affects millions of Americans,” said LaVarne A. Burton, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Kidney Fund.   “This walk is also a great reminder of the healthy living measures we can all include in our daily routine to reduce our risk for kidney disease and its main causes—diabetes and high blood pressure.”

All proceeds of the walk will be used to support the programs of the American Kidney Fund. These programs include providing direct financial assistance to kidney patients in need, health education and prevention services. Last year, the American Kidney Fund provided more than $2.8 million in financial assistance to kidney patients in Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Participants can raise money individually, as a team or as a virtual walker. On-site registration is also available on Oct. 25. For more information, visit www.kidneyfund.org or contact Rhonda Watson via e-mail or at (301) 984-6654.

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About the American Kidney Fund
The American Kidney Fund is the nation’s No. 1 source of treatment-related financial assistance to kidney patients and a leader in providing health education to people with or at risk for kidney disease. In 2008, the American Kidney Fund provided treatment-related grants to 75,000 kidney patients totaling more than $119.5 million. The American Kidney Fund reaches tens of thousands of individuals each year with information about kidney health; operates a kidney disease screening program in high-risk communities; and maintains a toll-free HelpLine (866-300-2900) which provides education about kidney disease. The American Kidney Fund is a seven-time recipient of the highest “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator; 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.