CURRENTLY, there are about five million Australians at risk of developing end-stage kidney disease. According to Kidney Health Australia, there are 1.7 million Australians affected by the disease and about 1.5 million of those are unaware they’re living with the disease.
To help raise awareness and funds around this silent disease, the Shepparton community are being urged to take place in the Big Red Kidney Community Walk, held this Sunday, September 8 from 10:30am at Victoria Park Lake, Shepparton.
The Big Red Kidney Walk is Kidney Health Australia’s annual event to bring the community together and raise awareness and funds to fight kidney disease and show support for loved ones who are bravely fighting with the debilitating impacts of the disease.
Kidney Health Australia CEO, Chris Forbes said, “The shocking fact about kidney disease is that a person can lose up to 90 percent of their kidney function before any symptoms are apparent.
“A person could be relatively fine one day and the next they could be in hospital facing a life sentence of continuous dialysis or on a transplant list, waiting for a suitable donor.”
Mr Forbes said that the annual fundraising walks help fund vital early detection work, research and support facilities.
“We urge everyone to get down to the walk, dressed in red and ready to enjoy a day of fun, entertainment and exercise, all to help fight kidney disease.”
To register for the Shepparton walk, visit www.bigredkidneywalk.org.au
