EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (October 10, 2007) – In a nationwide effort to raise money for The Kidney TRUST—an independent public charity focusing on raising awareness of kidney disease among 20 million Americans who suffer from the disease—DaVita, Inc., the nation's largest independent dialysis provider, announced today that its 54 Kidney Awareness Time Walk-a-thons (KAT Walk) and the Tour DaVita generated more than $1,000,000 in donations between September 12-16. By increasing awareness among the chronic kidney disease (CKD) population, DaVita hopes to delay or prevent the progression to kidney failure.
The KAT Walks were held across 28 states, attracting over 4,000 participants, including dialysis patients, DaVita teammates (employees) and their friends, family and supporters. The effort was successful in raising more than $400,000. The Tour DaVita, a four-day, 230-mile bike ride along the Natchez Trace from Sheffield, Ala. to Brentwood, Tenn., involved 211 riders and raised more than $600,000 for kidney disease awareness and prevention programs.
“The Kidney TRUST is extremely grateful to DaVita for naming us the beneficiary for the inaugural Tour DaVita and for the ongoing support provided by their unique KAT Walks,” said Barbara L. Lawson, President of The Kidney TRUST. “The funds raised by participants will help The Kidney TRUST expand its testing program aimed at preventing or delaying kidney disease.”
According to the National Kidney Foundation, twenty million American adults – about one in nine – already have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may be unaware of their condition. If not treated properly, CKD may regress into kidney failure. Approximately 350,000 Americans with kidney failure are on dialysis. Early detection and education can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.
“Our 29,000 teammates are dedicated to helping patients with chronic kidney disease in their centers and in raising funds for CKD awareness and education programs,” explained Kent Thiry, DaVita Chief Executive Officer. Kent Thiry and his wife, Denise O'Leary, personally contributed $100,000 to these awareness programs. “Through our commitment to upholding our Mission and Values, we are building a healthy community that makes a difference in the lives of all it has the privilege to touch.”
For more information, please go to www.davita.com.
About DaVita Inc. DaVita Inc., a FORTUNE 500® company, is the largest independent provider of dialysis services in the United States, providing dialysis services for those diagnosed with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVita manages over 1,300 outpatient centers and acute units in over 700 hospitals located in 42 states and the District of Columbia, serving over 100,000 patients. For more information, please visit www.davita.com.
About The Kidney TRUST
The Kidney TRUST, an independent public charity, was formed to increase awareness of kidney disease through public education and testing programs so that progression of CKD to kidney failure can be delayed or prevented. In 2007, The TRUST is piloting a low-cost testing and screening program and a financial assistance program for CKD patients. For more information about The Kidney TRUST, please visit www.kidneytrust.org.
Contact:
Basak Ertan
(800) 310-4872