2011 New York City Kidney Walk October 16, 2011

A 5K stroll could end up going the extra mile towards the detection and prevention of a disease that affects 1.3 million New Yorkers.

Six thousand walkers will step up on October 16 for the 10th Annual New York City Kidney Walk and help raise awareness and funds to support those with chronic kidney disease and the millions more at risk. The non-competitive Walk will be held at South Street Seaport on the south side of Pier 17 and Pier 16 at South Street and Fulton Street in New York City. Onsite registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the Walk starts at 10:30 a.m.

The event’s honorary chair, actor Grizz Chapman (“Grizz”) of the hit NBC show, 30 Rock will cut the ribbon to start the Walk. Chapman, whose hypertension damaged his kidneys, recently received a life-saving kidney transplant from an altruistic donor.

“I’m hoping my brief walk will help many others take a lifesaving step. I didn’t realize until it was too late that high blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney failure,” says Chapman. “By teaming up for the Kidney Walk, I plan to sound the alert for others and hope that those at risk—anyone with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease-- will hear the message and get their kidneys checked out.”

Funds raised from the Walk support the National Kidney Foundation’s programs, including public and professional education, kidney health screenings, patient advocacy and research grants.

Walkers participate as individuals or form teams with family, friends or colleagues. Suggested contribution is $200. The Walk will feature live music and participants can walk, run or wheel their way to the finish line.

NYC Kidney Walk presenting sponsor is Bristol Myers Squibb and champion sponsor is Thomson Reuters.

The National Kidney Foundation is dedicated to the prevention of kidney disease, improving the health and well-being of patients and families affected by this disease and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. For more information or to support the event, call the National Kidney Foundation Serving Greater New York at (212) 889-2210 ext. 232 or visit www.kidneywalk.org.