More than 1 in 7, that is, 15% of adults who reside in the United States or 37 million people, are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When kidneys become damaged because of CKD, they cannot clean the blood as well as healthy kidneys.
“If kidneys do not work well, toxic waste and extra fluid accumulate in the body and may lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and early death,” per information provided by the CDC.
The National Kidney Foundation is a nonprofit organization that offers the kidney community a source of support and advocacy. Pattie Dash has served as Executive Director for the National Kidney Foundation (NKFMDDE) in Maryland and Delaware since 2017.
She explained that NKFMDDE’s mission is “revolutionizing the fight to save lives by eliminating preventable kidney disease, accelerating innovation for the dignity of the patient experience, and dismantling structural inequities in kidney care, dialysis and transplantation.”
Kidney patients may need assistance paying for medication and maintaining other financial necessities, especially since some of them also experience job interruptions. The National Kidney Foundation reported online that, “new data estimates that 50% of people with kidney disease will face financial hardships that create challenges when accessing care.”
NKFMDDE steps up to help. The nonprofit will host its signature Santé: Giving Back for Kidney Disease fundraiser on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 6 – 9 p.m., at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, located at 1415 Key Highway in Baltimore.
Dash further noted that the event has been held for more than 10 years. Funds raised from Sante’: Giving Back for Kidney Disease will aid kidney patients to financially bridge some financial gaps.
“Event proceeds support NKFMDDE’s local patient emergency assistance program, providing essentials such as transportation, rent, utility relief, food and other life essentials that we take for granted. Dollars raised also help fund vital research that helps advance knowledge about chronic kidney disease, treatment and patient outcomes,” Dash also said.
Individuals who have been impacted by kidney disease, and the medical community who cares for them while raising awareness about chronic kidney disease, will be honored. The evening will include entertainment and culinary components. Roughly 25 food and beverage vendors will also offer casual food tastings along with paired beverages.
“Guests will be able to vote for their favorite vendor in the People’s Choice competition and secret judges will select the Best Dish, Best Beverage, Best Dessert and Best Display. Adding to the fun will include a photo booth, raffles, and a silent auction featuring sports memorabilia, dining, entertainment, local art, spa, health and fitness and vacation packages,” Dash said. “By attending this event, participants will know that they are making a difference to support their community and learn more about kidney disease.”
Dash further explained that attendees will be equipped with shareable information to help NKFMDDE raise awareness.
Natasha Brown-Wainwright, owner of Natasha’s Just Brittle and B’More Made with Pride, is a Baltimorean who has been supporting the Santé: Giving Back for Kidney Disease fundraiser since 2016. The entrepreneur is the proprietor of Natasha’s Just Brittle and B’More Made with Pride— Baltimore’s only female and Black-owned commercial kitchen and processing facility with a café. Through B’More Made with Pride, Brown-Wainwright caters to food businesses that prepare food, including Natasha’s Just Brittle, which is her confectionery company that crafts a variety of brittles and treats.
“I’m donating a basket this year for the auction so that NKFMDDE can raise their funds. Another way for me to give back is by letting attendees sample my products,” Brown-Wainwright said. “This year, I’m not going to just represent Natasha’s Just Brittle, but B’More Made with Pride as well.”
Brown-Wainwright encouraged other businesses to participate in the fundraiser. She is appearing with three other chefs who will also be able to inform more individuals about their offerings through the event.
Brown-Wainwright’s passion to help kidney patients began when she was a daycare provider. One of the parents of a child she cared for was diagnosed with kidney disease. The wife was able to donate a kidney to her husband. Knowing the family’s story inspired Brown-Wainwright to pay homage to the gentleman who once needed a kidney by continuing to participate as a Sante’ vendor. Brown-Wainwright also learned more about the National Kidney Foundation.
“When that happened with them, it made me have ongoing support,” Brown-Wainwright said.Admission to the Santé is $125 per person. Please visit https://nkfhonors.rallybound.org/sante-maryland to learn more about the event and to purchase tickets by May 6, 2023. Please call 410-494-8545, or email Jaclyn Rodriguez at [email protected] to donate auction items.