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Making a Difference





Facebook has led millions of people to reconnect with childhood friends. Melissa Berg, Littleton, reunited with Mindy Cook, Thornton, after nearly 15 years through the popular social media site. While catching up, Berg discovered that Cook had been diagnosed with IgA nephropathy while she was pregnant with her son. Cook was unaware that the symptoms she had prior to her pregnancy were related to kidney disease.

Berg and her mother, Tamara Gifford, Evergreen, are both Glendale Chamber of Commerce members as well as volunteer chair members for the 2011 National Kidney Foundation's Colorado Kidney Walk which will take place on Sunday, May 15 at Infinity Park in Glendale.

"My mom and I are involved with this cause to help raise the awareness of Kidney Disease and allow the community to get the information they need, whether it’s about testing, treatment or organ donation." Berg said. "Mindy is a reason why we believe awareness is key and what better way to serve the community than to volunteer for such a great foundation that is so rooted in promoting awareness and prevention like the National Kidney Foundation."

Since 2008, Gifford has hosted a "Cuts-4-A-Cause" event each year to benefit a charity at her salon, The Forum Hair Studio, located at 425 S. Cherry St., Suite 120, Glendale, CO, 80246. This year, the “Cuts-4-A-Cause” event will benefit the National Kidney Foundation and will take place at the 2011 Kidney Walk on Sunday, May 15, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Infinity South Park in Glendale. The salon will be offering $10 haircuts onsite performed by licensed cosmetologists. In addition, throughout the month of May, The Forum Hair Studio will be selling $10 haircut vouchers (excludes shampoo and blow dry), with the proceeds going to The National Kidney Foundation as well.

“This Kidney Walk is what contributes to making a difference in the lives of those like me, with a kidney disease or other difficulties, and our families." Cook said. "It [the walk] is spreading the awareness of early detection, which ultimately can save one's life, knowing and inspiring those around them with a healthier lifestyle and perhaps even provide those who are in need of a kidney transplant with a kidney. I hope this walk stimulates a giving spirit from the community and encourages organ donation.”

Chronic kidney disease affects 26 million Americans. Recent studies indicate that kidney disease is on the rise. Because symptoms may not appear until the kidneys are actually failing, many people do not take steps to protect the health of their kidneys.

The National Kidney Foundation Serving Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming is dedicated to preventing kidney and urinary tract disease, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation. For more information, visit http://www.kidneycmw.org/.

Join the Colorado Kidney Walk! A note from our Honorary Chair....

We'd love it if you came back to support this walk!

Did you know that 1 in 9 people in Colorado have Chronic Kidney Disease and most don't even know it?  It is preventable, if caught in its early stages. Please show your support for those living with kidney disease, those on the transplant waiting list, those who have donated a kidney or other vital organ, or just to enjoy a beautiful spring Colorado day with us. Help us spread the message about awareness on Sunday May 15th at our Colorado Kidney Walk which will be held at Glendale's Infinity Park South.

This is going to be a real celebration of community, courage and life.

Registering online is easy all you need to do is visit us at: http://www.kidneywalk.org/ and select "Colorado." Follow the easy steps and  dont forget to engage your friends, family and co-workers! It's a great way to spend a Sunday and a great family friendly event!

Again, thank you so much for your continued support of the National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Walk in the past - funds raised go to vital patient services and programs. We hope that you register - we'd really love to see you there. 
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your local office at: jamie.taylor@kidney.org or please call us at 720.748.9991. We'd be happy to guide you through the registration process - we are here to make this easy for you!

Thanks - we hope to see you out on May 15th!

Sincerely,

Gloria Neal
Honorary Chair
Colorado Kidney Walk

New! Incentive Prizes this year

Check out the latest incentive prizes for the 2011 NKF Walk - the new 200 level prize is an environmentally friendly tote bag!