Posey Prepares For Kidney Walk In Cocoa Beach
By Space Coast Daily // February 8, 2012
Worthy Cause
BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA – Congressman Bill Posey will help launch this weekend’s 5K Kidney Beach Walk sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation of Florida as a tribute to organ donation.
The walk will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Cocoa Beach Pier.
The day’s activities will start with a “Circle of Life” paddle-out in the morning sunrise and conclude with a “Sand Castles of Hope” contest for kids.
“One of the many challenges that organ transplant recipients face is the high cost of immunosuppressive medications which help the body adjust to new donor organs,” said Posey, who is a member of the Congressional Kidney Caucus and Diabetes Caucus.
“Currently, Medicare covers the cost of kidney transplant surgeries, but only temporarily covers the cost of the medications which are needed to prevent rejection,” he said. “After three years, coverage is cancelled. I’ve co-sponsored legislation to fix this problem, which will ultimately save lives and Medicare resources over time.”
Organizers are pleased Posey can attend.
“This event will just solidify the contribution and commitment the NKF and the State of Florida makes to saving lives,” said Richard Salick, NKF Director of Communities Relations in Florida. “Congressmen Posey’s support of this cause makes him the perfect candidate to kick-off what is sure to become a tradition.”
Many local residents are excited about participating in the walk.
“We become centered, renewed, and touched, not only physically but in our hearts and spirits,” said Pastor Bob Bruckart, Director of Pastoral Care Health First Hospitals. “We walk and are made whole.”
Medical professionals will pitch in and help too.
“How wonderful to walk on our Cocoa Beach shore, a stretch of beach that has given so much to organ donation,” said Kay Poindexter, a Social Worker with Freseneius Dialysis Center in Viera. “Our team – Violet’s Team – honors a founder of our Viera Dialysis Center who has touched many lives.”
