LEWES, De. – The National Kidney Foundation Serving Maryland and Delaware will hold its 15^th annual Southern Delaware Kidney Walk, Sunday, Apr. 28, at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes (15099 Cape Henlopen Dr., 19958). More than 300 people are expected to step up to raise awareness of kidney disease, organ donation and the importance of early screening and healthy lifestyle for those at risk.

“Funds raised from this critical opportunity will allow NKF to provide all patients with a better quality of life through research, advocacy and increasing living kidney donation,” said Event Chair Kristy Ferracci, an FKC dialysis technician who donated a kidney to her husband 17 years ago. “We need your support now more than ever; families need information and answers to stay healthy and advocate for patients who need priority access to safe dialysis and transplants.”

Check-in begins at 10 a.m. at the Beach Pavilion Area. Following a brief ceremony emceed by WRDE-TV Journalist Madeleine Overturf, the Walk kicks off at 11 a.m. Participants can enjoy a scenic 3-mile route patient-friendly route accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The event also features entertainment from DJ Manny Mann, refreshments from Starbucks, Giant, Blue Scoop and Pepsi; interactive vendor booths and the Kidney Kids Corner with face painting and games.

Funds raised through Kidney Walk will directly support NKF’s local patient services, education, and research efforts.Participation is free, but donations are encouraged. Everyone who raises a minimum of $100 will receive a commemorative Walk T-shirt. Additional recognition gifts will be awarded for meeting various fundraising levels.

For online registration, visit www.kidneywalk.org/southerndelaware. To learn about local sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, contact Nicole Scharf at 410.726.8732. To date, top sponsors of the Southern Delaware Kidney Walk include Amgen, Alexion, Beebe Healthcare, Calliditas, ChristianaCare Kidney Transplant, Dewey Beach Lions Club, HomeWell Care Services, J&A Electrical Services, Nephrology Associates, Novartis, WFSF Bank and Woody’s Dewey Beach.

In addition to the Southern Delaware Kidney Walk, NKF will hold the Salisbury Kidney Walk at Winterplace Park, June 2, the Maryland Kidney Walk at UMBC (Baltimore), Oct. 6 and the Northern Delaware Kidney Walk at Glasgow Park (Newark) in Fall 2024. The Kidney Walk is the nation's largest fundraiser to fight kidney disease. Held in more than 70 communities, thousands of walkers join NKF annually to raise over $10 million to help kidney patients and their families each year. More than 84 cents of every dollar donated directly supports NKF programs and services. 

Kidney Disease Facts

Kidney disease is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, affecting 37 million adults. Approximately 1,650 Delawareans are on dialysis and more than 158 Delawareans are on the organ transplant waiting list. Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and family history.

About NKF 

The National Kidney Foundation is revolutionizing the fight to save lives by eliminating preventable kidney disease, accelerating innovation for the dignity of the patient experience, and dismantling structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis and transplantation. For more information, visit www.kidney.org.