THE FOLLOWING IS A LETTER FROM A LONGTIME SOCCER COMMUNITY MEMBER, BARBARA ELLIIOTT.

Dear Friends:

As you probably know, in 1992 I was diagnosed with Lupus Nepthritis which led to End Stage Renal Disease. I started dialysis in 2001 and remained on daily peritoneal and hemodialysis until I had a kidney transplant on 19th July, 2007. The miracle of a gift of a healthy kidney and the wonders of modern medicine has given me a new lease on life. However, there are thousands of others who have not been as fortunate as me and are still waiting for a donor. The time of waiting varies; I was told 2-3 years, then 3-5 years - I waited, and was on dialysis, for six years.

Here are some facts:

• 26 million American adults are  living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) -  a 30%  increase over the last decade. Most are unaware of their condition.
  
  
• More than 82,000 are currently awaiting a kidney transplant.
  
  
• Kidney disease is common, harmful and treatable. It is a "silent" disease.
  
  
• Risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes and family history
  
  
• Early detection can slow the progression of kidney disease
  
  
• Once kidneys fail, patients need dialysis or a transplant to survive
  
  
• Over 104,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant which means there are over 104,000 on dialysis.

 I am walking the Kidney Walk because it is a small way in which I can give something back because of the generosity of my donor parents for giving me life, the care and attention I received from my doctors and nurses at the Dialysi Clinic at California Pacific Medical Center, for those who are still living with kidney disease and it reaches a time in my life when I feel I am physically and mentally able to walk 5km.

I am contacting you to help me reach my fundraising goal! This is an exciting opportunity for us to work together to help people understand the need for early detection of kidney disease. In addition to raising funds for research and help for patients and their families, the Kidney Walk is a great way to bring the community together!

My Walk Page is found here .
Please support me with a donation by selecting the "Sponsor Me" button.

Thank you very much.

With much love,
Barbara