Why I Walk

I walk because too many families are coping with this devastating chronic illness, and thousands more will face an unexpected kidney disease diagnosis in the year to come.

Perhaps you know my personal kidney story, if not here's an abbreviated version.
In November 2009 I contracted H1N1, otherwise known as the Swine Flu. That virus activated my previously dormant kidney condition. I was initially hospitalized with pneumonia & other health complications. Within a few months I was in kidney failure. Fortunately for me I had a savior. My sister, Carolyn Payne, offered me a kidney. Eventually my sister would undergo surgery to donate a kidney to me but not before I spent months doing dialysis 3X weekly. The successful transplant took place November 5, 2010. This November I will be 12 YEARS Kidney Strong. 

I walk in appreciation of all my sister did for me.
I walk for all the people currently dealing with kidney issues who cannot walk.
I walk with gratitude for all the support I've received form my family, friends & the NKF.
I walk to support the life changing work of the National Kidney Foundation:
     - To ensure that families will have a place to turn when they need answers.
     - To keep up the fight for policy changes to protect kidney patients and living donors.
     - To drive innovation in transplantation and get more loved ones off the kidney transplant waitlist.

Are you with me?

Bay Area Walk 2022

In previous years, the NKF has sponsored multiple walks in the Bay Area. Then along came COVID and for two years we did a virtual walk or walked individually in our neighborhoods. This year we'll be walking together in person as one group in
San Francisco CA. We'll be carpooling to San Francisco on Sunday morning, Sept. 18th. Let me know if you're up to joining in on the walk & the fun.

Sunday - Sept 18, 2022
Embarcadero Plaza
1 Market St.
San Francisco CA 94105
9:00am

Please consider supporting my efforts with a generous donation.