Miami Kidney Walk 2012
February 19, 2012, Registration 8:30 AM, Walk 10:00 AM
Bayfront Park
301 North Biscayne Blvd
Miami FL
www.miamikidneywalk.com

The National Kidney Foundation of Florida invites South Floridians, their friends and families to join in the 2012 Miami Kidney Walk, presented by All-Med Services of Florida, Inc. A fun, non-competitive 5K event that raises funds and helps create awareness to fight kidney disease. With more than 80 walk teams already signed up, excitement is building as the Miami Kidney Walk gets closer to its goal of raising $175,000 to help more than 2 million Floridians suffering from chronic kidney disease.

This year, Dr. Victor Valdes, Medical Director at All-Med Services of Florida and avid advocate in the renal care community in South Florida, serves as Corporate Chairman of the Miami Kidney Walk.

The 2012 Miami Kidney Walk will take place this coming Sunday, February 19th, at Bayfront Park, Downtown Miami. Registration begins at 8:30am; walk begins at 10:00am. The Miami Kidney Walk is sure to create an even greater awareness of kidney disease this year. It is sure to be bigger and better than ever with the appearance of multifaceted entertainer and Hip-Hop artist “David Rush”, as this year’s Miami Kidney Walk Celebrity Chair!

Four years ago David Rush, born David Petterson, was told he was suffering from Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Once diagnosed RUSH was able to take his dialysis “on the road” and tour with renowned hip hop artist Pitbull. “It’s the hardest tat (tattoo) I ever got in my life. The entertainer and Hip-hop artist feels reborn. I wear the scar with so much pride,” “My life has changed. I’m born again.” Says Rush. He praises his half-brother and best friend, Dwaine Haskins, 38, for donating his right kidney to him. He considers November 9, 2010 his second birthday — the day the he underwent his kidney transplant. Fortunately for RUSH, his brother Dwaine a.k.a. “Monsta” was a perfect kidney match.

Rush is currently signed to international Hip Hop star Pitbull’s Mr. 305 imprint, and is the mastermind behind his own 2009 hit remix “Shooting Star” featuring Pitbull, Kevin Rudolf and LMFAO, as well as Pitbull’s popular hit “Go Girl.” Despite suffering from kidney failure and doing dialysis for several hours each week, RUSH joined Pitbull’s 2009 nationwide Rebelution tour, and gained his own fan base along the way. Rush is a strong contemporary example of the investment of dialysis then the success of a kidney transplant each and every time he performs. His diagnosis is prevalent in minority communities and should make a great difference in perceptions of what the miracle of transplant allows one to be able to do.

“We are honored and excited that Rush will spend the day with us and share his heart warming story. We welcome Rush and look forward to sharing in his talent!” said Dr. Victor Valdes, Medical Director of All-Med Services and Corporate Chair for this year’s Walk. Local supporting sponsors, include Fresenius Medical Care, Baptist Health South Florida, Care Vantage and DaVita to name a few. There will also be more entertainers bringing guests a carnival style party, brought to you by Top 1 Entertainment, Japanese Drummers and much, much more. The 2012 Miami Kidney Walk is sure to be a one of a kind and memorable Walk like no other!

The walk will also include a walk processional to spotlight those who are impacted by kidney disease. Last year over 200 Donor Families, Living Donors, transplant Recipients, and those who wait for a transplant walked together to raise awareness about how valuable and precious the Gift of Life is. For more information, call 305-854-5690 or visit www.miamikidneywalk.org.

“After last year’s successful Miami Kidney Walk, we are thrilled at the positive response and growing momentum for this year’s event,” said Dayane Nuñez, South Florida Regional Manager for the National Kidney Foundation of Florida. “Kidney disease is on the rise in the U.S., especially among minority populations. The Walk is a great way to support our many programs to fight kidney disease, promote medical research and encourage organ donation. Plus, it’s great to celebrate life and take part in an inspiring and fun event that will help save lives.”

Join us along with all those who come out in support of our kidney community. Help us reach out to all those who suffer from High Blood Pressure & Diabetes and help make the 2012 Miami Kidney Walk a TRUE SUCCESS!

Many Miami-area businesses are generously supporting the 2012 Miami Kidney Walk, from sponsoring the event to having employees organize and recruit Walk team members. Full list of sponsors is available at www.miamikidneywalk.org.

The National Kidney Foundation of Florida (NKFF) is one of 48 affiliates of the National Kidney Foundation, a not-for-profit, tax-exempt, national voluntary health agency. Its mission is to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation. The NKFF is a vital resource for the state’s kidney patients and their families, helping them learn how to cope with the physical and psychological aspects of the disease and providing them with hope for the future. All programs and services are made possible through the contributions of a generous public.

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