American Kidney Fund To Host Sixth Annual Gala, 'The Hope Affair,' In Washington On Oct. 22
Annual Event Brings Kidney Community Together to Honor Inspirational Patients and Caregivers Who Are Leading the Fight Against Kidney Disease
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Kidney Fund will host its sixth annual gala, The Hope Affair, on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington. This year's event, themed "Sharing the Journey," will be emceed by Emmy Award-winning FOX 5 news anchor Shawn Yancy.
"The Hope Affair is a time to recognize and celebrate those who are making a difference in the kidney community. This year we honor three extraordinary individuals—two patients and a caregiver—who are fighting kidney disease with courage, grace and unwavering hope," said LaVarne A. Burton, president and chief executive officer of the American Kidney Fund. "We are grateful to our supporters who make it possible for the American Kidney Fund to continue its education, prevention and financial assistance efforts, which reach thousands of Americans annually."
The American Kidney Fund will recognize the following individuals at The Hope Affair:
- Meshia Adams of Woodbridge, Virginia, a transplant patient who has dedicated herself to advocating for kidney disease awareness and supporting patients throughout her community, will receive the 2014 Hero of Hope Award
- Keith McDonald of Sayreville, New Jersey, who works tirelessly at two jobs while taking care of his wife who is undergoing dialysis treatment, will receive the 2014 Caregiver of the Year Award
- Madison Gordon, 18, a dialysis patient from Sultan, Washington, will be honored as the 2014 "Calendar Kids" cover art winner for her entry in the American Kidney Fund's annual nationwide art contest for children with kidney disease
"We are honored that so many individuals in the renal community are attending The Hope Affair, which supports crucial programs that are made possible through the American Kidney Fund," said Joe Carlucci, co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer of American Renal Associates, the evening's Platinum Sponsor. "We heartily congratulate this year's honorees, who serve as inspirational reminders that there is real hope in the midst of the challenges that accompany kidney disease."
The Hope Affair will include entertainment by Afro Blue, Howard University's premier vocal jazz ensemble, and will feature remarks from the three honorees. The annual event brings the renal community together to raise funds to support the programs and services of the American Kidney Fund. As the ninth-leading cause of death in the United States, kidney disease affects an estimated 31 million Americans, with millions more at risk.
In 2013, the American Kidney Fund provided treatment-related grants to more than 87,000 U.S. dialysis patients, and provided free kidney health screenings to 22,500 at-risk people in 20 cities nationwide.
The Hope Affair's 2014 Platinum Sponsor is American Renal Associates. Additional sponsors include Amgen (Diamond Sponsor), Sanofi Renal (Gold Sponsor) and Dialysis Clinic, Inc., Right Advisory LLC, Target MarkeTeam and Technical Resources International, Inc. (Bronze Sponsors). A full sponsor listing, along with complete details on the event, can be found at www.thehopeaffair.org.
For more information about the American Kidney Fund, visit www.kidneyfund.org.
About the American Kidney Fund
The American Kidney Fund fights kidney disease through direct financial support to patients in need, health education and prevention efforts. It leads the nation in charitable assistance to dialysis patients. Last year, more than 87,000 people—1 out of every 5 U.S. dialysis patients—received assistance from the American Kidney Fund for health insurance premiums and other treatment-related expenses. The American Kidney Fund reaches millions of people annually through its national campaign, Pair Up: Join the Fight to Prevent Kidney Disease; free kidney health screenings; health education materials and courses; online outreach, and a toll-free health information HelpLine (866-300-2900). For more information, visit www.kidneyfund.org.
SOURCE American Kidney Fund
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