Orange County Hospital CEOs Team Up For National Kidney Foundation's 2016 Kidney Walk

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Jan 06, 2016, 01:00 ET

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IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert T. Braithwaite, president and CEO of Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, and Steven C. Moreau, president and CEO of St. Joseph Hospital of Orange, will be honored as Co-Corporate Walk Chairs of the National Kidney Foundation's 6^th annual Orange County Kidney Walk to be held on June 5, 2016 at Mason Region Park in Irvine.

St. Joseph Hospital and Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, members of the St. Joseph Hoag Health network and committed to providing the highest quality, affordable, and accessible health care services in the community, are teaming up with the National Kidney Foundation for the 2016 Orange County Kidney Walk.

"We are truly honored to lead this inspirational event," said Moreau. "As leaders in the health care community, we hope others will take their own bold steps and join us as we work together to fight kidney disease."

26 million Americans have kidney disease and most of them don't know it because symptoms usually appear late in the disease's progression. Once kidney disease progresses to end-stage, dialysis or a transplant is needed to sustain life. Over 100,000 people are waiting for a kidney transplant and each year, thousands die waiting.

The Orange County Kidney Walk raises awareness of kidney disease, organ donation and the importance of early screening and healthy lifestyle for those at risk. The Kidney Walk is the nation's largest fundraiser to fight kidney disease. Each year, more than 75,000 walkers join the NKF to raise over $8 million to help kidney patients and their families. More than 80 cents of every dollar donated directly supports NKF programs and services.

To register for the Kidney Walk, call the National Kidney Foundation at 818-783-8153 or sign up online at www.kidneywalk.org.

Kidney Disease Facts:

1 in 3 American adults is at high risk for developing kidney disease today.
High blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of kidney failure and being over 60 are major risk factors for developing kidney disease.
1 in 9 American adults has kidney disease -- and most don't know it.
Early detection and treatment can slow or prevent the progression of kidney disease.
Kidney disease risk can be reduced by controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, quitting smoking, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding excessive use of pain medications.

The National Kidney Foundation is the leading organization in the U.S. dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease. For more information, visit www.kidney.org.

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SOURCE The National Kidney Foundation