LUTHERVILLE, Md. – The National Kidney Foundation Serving Maryland and Delaware (NKFMDDE) will take the fight against kidney disease 25 stories high. Its ninth annual Rappel for Kidney Health signature event will take place Saturday, June 15,from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 100. N. Charles St. in Downtown Baltimore.
Up to 100 fearless souls of all ages have the chance to descend a Baltimore skyscraper with breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Inner Harbor. Participants include adventure seekers and kidney patient,as well as their friends, relatives and coworkers. Plus, employees can rally with their coworkers to send their boss “over the edge” in the event’s “Toss Your Boss” challenge.
All participants – individuals and teams – will receive a fundraising webpage to assist in reaching the required $1,500 minimum to participate in the event. Once the money is raised, they will undergo Rappel training, and receive an event T-shirt and commemorative photo of their Rappel. They also will be cheered on by spectators in the landing zone area filled with entertainment, games and fun.Those who are “too chicken” to rappel can join in the excitement by watching from the landing zone and making a donation to fund NKFMDDE’s Patient Emergency Assistance Program or to fund a kidney patient’s rappel.
“Rappel for Kidney Health is an adventure not to miss,” said Event Chair and NKFMDDE Board Member Chris Simon (social worker,Independent Dialysis Foundation, Inc.). “Funds raised ensure that local kidney patients receive much needed financial support to pay for medication, as well as daily living expenses that others take for granted.”
Event logistics are organized by Over the Edge (www.overtheedgeusa.com), a special events company that provides signature rappel events for non-profit organizations in North America. Sponsors include Allegis Group, Artemis Properties,Chai Lifeline and University of Maryland Medical Center, as well as NKFMDDE annual partners: CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Johns Hopkins and Mid-Atlantic Nephology Associates, P.A.
Through the years, Rappel for Kidney Health has attracted over 600 participants and raised over$750,000 to support NKFMDDE’s local patient services, education and research efforts. This year, the Foundation hopes to raise over $130,000.To register for Rappel for Kidney Health, support a Rappel participant, donate to NKFMDDE or learn about corporate sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, visit www.kidneymd.org or call 410.494.8545.
About NKF
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the largest, most comprehensive and longstanding organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease. For more information, visit www.kidney.org.
