Thank You for an Awesome 2009 Kidney Walk!

The starting line at the 2009 Kidney Walk

Master of Ceremonies Raleigh Jenkins, owner of ABC Pest, Pool and Lawn, did an awesome job pumping up the crowd before the Kidney Walk.

Walkers of all ages turned out to show their support!

The ninth annual "Kidney Walk" was held Sunday, Sept. 20, in Sam Houston Park, and more than 700 participants turned out for the event, far surpassing all expectations. The humidity made for a sticky day, but walkers of all ages lined up outside the registration tent, sponsored by Fresenius Medical Care, to join in the fun and help raise funds for the National Kidney Foundation Serving Southeast Texas.

There was lots of food and activities for adults and children alike, including face painting and complimentary massages. Before embarking on the Walk, participants had a chance to fill up on treats inside the Hospitality Tent sponsored by Renal Specialists of Houston, including fruit that was donated by Sysco Foods, bagels from The Hot Bagel Shop and nutrition bars. Prior to the event, the NKF's Board mixed and mingled with invited guests inside the VIP Tent, sponsored by Quality Dialysis, Inc.

KRBE 104.1 was on-hand with their mobile remote, passing out goodies to the walkers. The emcee for the event was Raleigh Jenkins, owner of ABC Pest Pool and Lawn. Raleigh's late father, Bob, suffered from kidney disease and Raleigh donated a kidney to him 12 years ago. This year, he and his two brothers embarked upon an incredible journey to ride their bikes from Austin, Texas, to Calgary, Alberta (Canada) to raise funds for charity. Raleigh's charity, of course, was the National Kidney Foundation, and he rode in memory of
his father.

The purpose of the Kidney Walk is to raise awareness of the problem of kidney disease and urge individuals to be proactive in their health by asking for a simple urinalysis test to determine if they have the early signs of the disease. In addition to public education, the Walk brings the community together to generate funds for a good cause. A big "thanks" goes to the Kidney Walk Chairman, Myra Rega, and her committee for all their hard work. After all the funds were tallied, the 2009 Kidney Walk raised more than $93,000 for the programs and services of the National Kidney Foundation Serving Southeast Texas. The funds will be used locally to help bring hope and support to those living with kidney and urinary tract disorders through research, patient services, organ donation programs and professional and public education.

Congratulations to the following fundraising teams and individuals who were awarded trophies at the Walk:

1st Place – Dialysis Unit Team that Raised the Most Money
Westminster Walkers representing Westminster Dialysis
Team Captain: Fernando Mata

2nd Place – Dialysis Unit Team that Raised the Most Money
Willie Wee Water Walkers representing Quality Dialysis, Inc.
Team Captain: Cathy Harrison

1st Place – Corporate Team that Raised the Most Money
Concierge Connection from Concierge Asset Management
Team Captain: Tammi Puckett

2nd Place – Corporate Team that Raised the Most Money
The Southhampton Striders from Southhampton Management
Team Captain: Elsa Scott

1st Place – Individual that Raised the Most Money
Ernestine Huerta

2nd Place – Individual that Raised the Most Money
Tene Thomas

The National Kidney Foundation Serving Southeast Texas is very grateful to the following 2009 Kidney Walk sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Direct Energy

Registration Tent Sponsor: Fresenius Medical Care

Hospitality Tent Sponsor: Renal Specialists of Houston

Exhibitor Tent Sponsor: Southhampton Management

VIP Tent Sponsor: Quality Dialysis, Inc.

Water Bottle Sponsor: The Phillips Agency

AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Camp Construction, HealthCo Pharmacy, J & L Distributors,
Kidney Associates PLLC, Mattingly Law Firm and Rasa Floors and Carpet Cleaning.