This year marks the 10th year that I am honoring my amazing Nana’s fight by hosting Team KITTY at the National Kidney Foundation’s (NKF) Pittsburgh Kidney Walk.
This year,we are excited to be BACK IN PERSON, on Sunday, November 13th at the Pittsburgh Zoo with family and friends who will walk in memory of my beautiful Nana’s life. We honor all kidney patients who are fighting the fight, waiting for a lifesaving organ and are exemplifying the strength of a super hero just like my Nana did.
Prior to my Nana’s diagnosis of kidney/lung cancer in 2011 and even throughout her fight, she always supported the Pittsburgh Kidney Walk, came out to the Zoo, and enjoyed a fun day with my kids and other family members. If she couldn’t make it, she always made sure to support me, our local Staff and the NKF.
Throughout my tenure with the NKF, I was able to meet the most amazing medical professionals and supporters who directly impacted my Nana’s care. She always called me and my cousin, Nicole her “Committee.” We always did the best we could to accompany her to her countless doctor appointments and always ended up spending the day together - either at Applebees or Kohls.
My experience at the NKF gave me the knowledge and tools to ask questions and know who to ask which ultimately impacted the great care my Nana received – THANK YOU, NKF.
Anyone who truly knew my Nana, knew she was so proud of her family and never missed the opportunity to let others know the success of her grandkids - I miss her daily confidence boosts!
15 years later, I have continued to make it my life's work to promote a mission I so deeply care about... a very important cause that has touched our family greatly and NOW a disease that DIRECTLY affects our family. We are now part of the 37 million Americans who are AT RISK of developing chronic kidney disease.
Please, if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of kidney disease or are over 60 years of age, ASK your doctor to check your kidney function! It's so important and such an easy blood/urine test. Awareness and Prevention are KEY!
Help me to continue to pay it forward as my Nana always taught us. Support Team KITTY and the NKF by making a gift in my Nana’s memory today.
Any amount, great or small, helps in the fight and is BEYOND APPRECIATED by me and my family.
My Nana’s spirit continues to inspire our family and your gift will truly make a difference in the lives of many kidney patients and those awaiting the gift of life.
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