The National Kidney Foundation's 7th Annual Ronald D. Paul Companies Kidney Walk to be Held on Saturday, September 20

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Kidney Foundation of the National Capital Area (NKF/NCA) will host its 7th Annual Ronald D. Paul Companies Kidney Walk on Saturday, September 20, 2008. For the first time, two walks will be held simultaneously. Participants can choose to walk at our new location in Downtown Silver Spring or our traditional location along the scenic C&O Canal inGeorgetown.

DC Native and San Antonio Spurs Guard Roger Mason Jr. is the Honorary Chairperson for the Silver Spring Walk. Registration at Silver Spring begins at 9:30 a.m. with the Walk beginning at 10:30. Fox 5 Weekend Anchor Will Thomas will be our Honorary Chairperson for the Georgetown Walk. Registration inGeorgetown begins at 8:00 a.m. and the Walk will begin at 9:00 a.m.

The Walk is expected to raise more than $150,000 to fight kidney disease locally. TheWashington, DC area leads the nation in the prevalence of kidney disease with more than 500,000 people affected. More than 5,800 area residents are currently on dialysis and approximately 1,700 are waiting for kidney transplants.

"In addition to raising funds to support our programs, the Kidney Walk offers an excellent opportunity to raise public awareness about the kidney disease epidemic in our community," said NKF/NCA President & CEO Preston A. Englert, Jr., CAE. "Educating people about kidney disease and its leading causes, diabetes and hypertension, are central to our mission."

The Kidney Walk offers a family friendly environment with a Kids Corner, a wellness area, and various pre and post-Walk activities. Testimonies will be given by a variety of people who have been affected by kidney disease and organ transplantation.

Over 18 years ago, Ronald D. Paul received a life-saving kidney transplant from his brother Steve. "There are so many corporate and black-tie events in our area," said Paul, "I wanted to have an event where all people -- young and old -- can participate and show their support for the National Kidney Foundation. In the faces of all the participants, you can see the great strides NKF has made in the fight against kidney disease."

Walkers can register online by visiting the National Kidney Foundation's website, www.kidneywdc.org. In addition to the online registration capabilities, walkers can use the website to build their own fundraising web pages. Every walker who raises $100 or more will receive a Kidney Walk t-shirt and other prizes will be available for top fundraisers.

The Ronald D. Paul Companies have generously offered to match funds raised by individual walkers, walk teams and corporate sponsors. Additional sponsors include Hunton & Williams, Kidney Kids, Pacers Running Store, WPGC 99.5 FM and Whole Foods Markets

For more information on the 7th Annual Kidney Walk please visit www.kidneywdc.org or contact Tyler Bowers at tbowers@kidneywdc.org or 202-244-7900 Ext. 18.

The mission of the National Kidney Foundation 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.

Contact: Michele Anthony or Nicole Hawkins

202-244-7900, Ext. 29 or 14

manthony@kidneywdc.org

nhawkins@kidneywdc.org

SOURCE National Kidney Foundation of the National Capital Area

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