Thursday, September 11, 2014

A Fall Full of Fun Events


Happy Autumn and welcome back! It's nice to be back from my summer sabbatical. The last year has been extremely tough but coming out the other side has taught me a lot about life, death, and moving on. I'm glad to get back to what makes me happy, sharing my journey and spreading awareness about Kidney Disease and Organ Donation. Fall is my favorite time of year and I always look forward to all the upcoming events for the Northeast Kidney Foundation.

Northeast Kidney provides the following services through the donations they receive at all of their fundraising events:
* provide direct assistance to patients
* educate healthcare professionals, patients and the general public
* shape health policy
* increase organ donation
* raise awareness

The Catwalk for Kidney's has become one of Northeast Kidney's biggest events. It's so much fun; not only do you get to see great fashion but also get to hear inspiring stories of each models connection to Kidney Disease and Organ Donation. But you better bring some tissue as it will pull at your heart strings. The event includes a light brunch, unique shopping, and a silent auction. This is a fabulous way to spend a Sunday morning with family and friends. So save the date October 12th at the Saratoga Holiday Inn from 10 to 1pm. Come help support a wonderful organization and spread awareness for Kidney Disease and Organ Donation. For more information and to purchase tickets you can call 533-7880 or visit Northeast Kidney at:

This year I have to give a shout out to my long time friend Bonnalyn O'Sullivan! She's such an inspiring women and wonderful nurse. She will be one of the models strutting her stuff down the Catwalk. Thank you Bonnie for showing your support for this wonderful cause. 

There are also a few Kidney Walk/5K run events still left in 2014, If your in the Hornell, Oneonta or Poughkeepsie areas you still have time to register at  http://www.healthykidneys.org/:


09/20/2014Hornell Walk.5K for Kidneys, YMCA - Hornell, New York
10/26/2014Oneonta Walk for Kidneys, SUNY Oneonta - Oneonta, New York
11/09/2014Walk over the Hudson for Kidneys, Walkway over the Hudson - Poughkeepsie, New York

All funds raised during these events are kept in the area in which there raised to help support the local kidney community with: 
  • Patient assistance programs that help with medical, nutrition and housing needs
  •  Free community screenings that can help identify people in early stages of kidney disease – when it’s most treatable
  •  Public, patient and professional education
  •  School based programs that can teach our kids about lifelong kidney health
  •  Scholarship programs for young adults affected by kidney disease that helps them pursue higher education
  •  Organ donor awareness including the recent launch of the Albany Kidney Connection, a vehicle for those waiting for a kidney transplant to be connected with potential altruistic donors
  • And so much more

It look like it's going to be a fun fall with lots of Northeast Kidney events. I hope you can join in at these events to help raise donations and awareness for this worthy cause. Today there are 101,142 patients still waiting on the National Transplant List for a kidney transplant. This is why I write this blog to help spread awareness for all those waiting including myself. I've been waiting 6 years and 4 mos. We need more Organ Donors and New York we are way behind. As matter of fact, we are the 3rd worst in the country. We need to do better. If you have already signed up "Thank You" from the bottom of my heart if not you can sign up at  http://www.donatelifeny.org/

Thank you for joining me today and as always I look forward to your comments, questions, or concerns.

Keep on fighting, You Kidney Warriors! 

~Kidney Blogger