(HUNTSVILLE, Ala.) State non-profit organization, Alabama Kidney Foundation (AKF), will be hosting the annual 2021 Huntsville Kidney Walk Celebration on May 1. In partnership with local companies, Thompson Gray and Gray Analytics’ community giving organizations, TG Together and G2– Gray Gives. The proceeds raised from the walk will benefit and support kidney dialysis patients.
Alabama ranks first in the number of dialysis patients per capita in the United States and currently, over 1,000 Alabama residents are waiting for a kidney transplant. AKF focuses on providing education, support and financial assistance to low-income kidney dialysis patients. The organization connects patients to experts that can provide information on dialysis treatment, mental health services and transplant surgery.
Ron and Cindy Gray are serving as honorary chairs of the virtual walk and socially distanced drive-by celebration for participants to pick up their event t-shirts and walk numbers or make a financial donation to the Alabama Kidney Foundation. The celebration will be on Saturday, May 1, 9:30-11:30 at 4240 Balmoral Drive SW.
“While this year’s event will look a bit different from years past, we couldn’t be more excited for our first-ever virtual walk, and we encourage families, friends and workplaces to register a team,” said AKF North Alabama Regional Director JoHelene Patrick. “The walk is vital to the mission of AKF and to helping kidney patients in our state get the resources, education and support they need.”
Tony Gann, who is serving as the 2021 patient chair for the Huntsville Kidney Walk, has been personally impacted by the work that the Foundation does for fellow Alabamians.
“Many of my family members, including myself, have been diagnosed with kidney disease,” said Gann. “The Kidney Walk not only does a great job in highlighting how many Alabamians are affected by this disease but also provides support to those patients who rely on AKF’s services.”
The organization saw an increase in need last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. AKF provided more than $700,000 in assistance and served more than 1,000 Alabamians in 2020.
“Cindy and I are thrilled for Thompson Gray Together and G2 to partner with AKF for such a great cause that directly impacts the lives of Alabamians,” said Ron Gray. “We hope that the Tennessee Valley community walks alongside us and celebrates with us on May 1. We promise it will be a safe and enjoyable event for all.”
For more information on how to sign-up, donate or volunteer for the walk, visit huntsvillekidneywalk.org.
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About Alabama Kidney FoundationThe Alabama Kidney Foundation (AKF) was founded to assist kidney patients and has a 46-year history of serving Alabama’s kidney patient population. Today, the AKF is the only state-based organization dedicated to assisting kidney patients, and each year touches the lives of thousands of Alabamians. The mission of AKF serves kidney patients by providing financial assistance, education and support services.