The Kidney Walk: Raising Awareness for Kidney Diseases

Each year we set out as The Dream Team to walk a 5k with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) to raise awareness for kidney diseases. As a team, we raise funds to help the NKF provide assistance to those needing treatments and resources. Read more about the kidneys and our fundraising efforts below!

Kidney Facts:
Kidney disease is known as the silent killer. It is so important for us to help raise awareness to empower others to keep up with their health. Here are some kidney disease facts from the National Kidney Foundation to kick-start our mission this year:

1. 1 in 3 Americans are at-risk for kidney disease.
2. 37 million people have chronic kidney disease.
3. 660,000 people live with kidney failure.
4. 100,000 people are waiting for a kidney transplant.

Our Fundraising Efforts
In the past, we have created a variety of activities for our patients, staff, family, and friends to participate in. These include:

• Denim Days: Teammates can make $5 donations to wear jeans in the office
• Spirit week: The Jacksonville Nephrology team dresses up in spirited, fun, themed costumes or outfits throughout the week before the walk.
• $1 ribbons: Patients and teammates can purchase green Kidney Disease Awareness ribbons to wear.
• Green Ribbon Frenzy: Any teammate can pay to have another teammate’s office or desk space covered with green ribbons, streamers, balloons, and more.
• Raffle baskets: We create themed baskets of goodies that will be raffled off for patients and office staff.
• Donation envelope wall: We put up a wall of envelopes with various dollar amounts for patients and staff to donate. Notes in honor of loved ones, names, or memories can be shared on the envelope as well.
• Kidney education: During team meetings and patient appointments, our team works to increase awareness and understanding of the kidneys and their diseases 

We have new fundraising activities in store this year! Head over to our Facebook page between now and the time of the walk to learn more about our surprises and fundraising progress. 

​As an added bonus this year, our team came together to empower ourselves and get healthy for our kidneys in March. We aimed to walk an average of 7,500 steps a day and a total of 100 miles each by the end of the month. To help facilitate healthy changes, we also learned to track our nutrition and more about getting healthy for our kidneys. At the end of March, we walked 2,668,595 steps, totaling 1,334 miles! 


Join us on the walk this year virtually or at Riverside Park on Sunday, May 19th, at 7:30am. To learn more, go to https://www.kidneywalk.org/jacksonville or https://www.jaxnephrology.com/dream-team.html. As always, stay safe and healthy!