April 28, 2022 — Over the past 25 years, thousands of metro Detroit residents, as well as their families and other supporters, team up to walk to raise funds for the Michigan Kidney Walk at the Detroit Zoo. This year, on Sunday, May 15, the Kidney Walk will be both in-person at the Zoo, and presented as a live virtual interactive event hosted by Fox 2 meteorologist Michael Estime. The live event will begin that morning on both the NKFM Facebook page, www.facebook.com/kidneymi, and its YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/kidneymi. Registration for the in-person walk begins at 7:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 8:45 a.m. at the Zoo, located at 8450 West 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak.
“We love the Zoo’s outdoor venue, but are mindful of those who will appreciate the different options,” said NKFM President and CEO, Linda Smith-Wheelock. “Whether in-person or virtual, the participants will include generous sponsors, walkers, and other supporters who raise substantial funds for the NKFM’s vital programs and services.”
As the organization’s largest fundraising event, the Kidney Walk highlights the importance of early detection and kidney disease prevention, while raising funds in support of people with kidney disease and their loved ones. Festivities at the in-person event will include zoo admission for the whole day, free food and drinks, giveaways, music, a Children’s Area, a Kidney Champions’ Tent, and much more. The virtual interactive program will include inspiring videos and awards.
Local Giraffe sponsors for this Kidney Walk are Henry Ford Health and Greenfield Health Systems.
Local Polar Bear sponsors are DaVita, Meijer, AF Group, St. Clair Nephrology, Landmark Health, Michigan Medicine/U-M Transplant Center, Michigan Kidney Consultants and Natera.
The national sponsor is Horizon Therapeutics.
To register or for more information, visit www.kidneywalk.org/detroitzoo. For questions, contact Brian Christy at bchristy@nkfm.org or 800-482-1455.
