ABOVE VIDEO:Interviews with a few of the people that helped make the 4th Annual Cocoa Beach “Foot Prints in the Sand” Kidney Beach Walk possible. (SpaceCoastDaily Video)
BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA – Hundreds of people and sponsors turned out for the 4th Annual Cocoa Beach “Foot Prints in the Sand” Kidney Beach Walk presented by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) of Florida.
The day’s activities consisted of a Zumba class on the beach to warm up, a “Circle of Life” paddle-out, followed by the 5K “Footprints in the Sand” non-competitive kidney walk, a “Sand Castles of Hope” contest, footprints of faith keepsakes, the Dialysis Patients Recognition Award and Team MomStrong, donor mom’s walking in support of the gift of life.
“It was amazing. We had lots of sponsors out here, we had free diabetes screenings, tons of patients, Congressman Bill Posey was out here. We had about 300 to 400 people out here to recognize kidney disease and take a life saving step,” said Savanna Pitard, Regional Development Manager for the National Kidney Foundation.
“This is the only beach walk that the National Kidney Foundation has in the country.”
Savanna Pitard
“We chose the Pier because we started our surf festival three years ago so they tie in well with each other,” said Pitard.
The National Kidney Foundation is the leading organization in the U.S. dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease for hundreds of thousands of healthcare professionals, millions of patients and their families, and tens of millions of Americans at risk.
The Kidney Walk is the nation’s largest walk to fight kidney disease.
Held in nearly 100 communities, the event raises awareness and funds lifesaving programs that educate and support patients, their families and those at risk.
Phil Salick
“Terrific day for the walk, Bill (Hahn) put in a lot of work into it and it really payed off with some nice weather,” said Phil Salick, Operations & Events Coordinator, Honorary Board of Trustee.
With the increase in diabetes and high blood pressure — two major kidney disease risk factors — kidney disease is on the rise.
The Kidney Walk is working to reach the 73 million American adults at risk with important prevention messages before it’s too late.
Each year, more than 75,000 walkers join the NKF to raise over $8 million to help kidney patients and their families.
Bill Hahn
“We had a real nice turnout and a lot of great sponsors support us,” said Bill Hahn.
Even Congressman Bill Posey was in attendance and joined the walk.
“We are so thankful to Congressman Posey’s continued support for those affected by kidney disease. The walk has grown over the years and will continue to save many lives,” said Bill Hahn, Walk Co-Founder and Chair.”
Hundreds of people and sponsors turned out for the 4th Annual Cocoa Beach “Foot Prints in the Sand” Kidney Beach Walk presented by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) of Florida. (spaceCoastDaily.com image)
