“Kidney disease is common and treatable, but early detection is the key. It effects so many – nearly 1 in 3 adults are at risk of developing kidney disease and nearly 26 million Americans have it – many don’t even know it.” “The National Kidney Foundation of Florida currently holds 9 walks across the state. The Cocoa Beach Kidney Walk is our only beach walk. Our walks give us a great opportunity to meet our living donors and donor families face to face. As well as well as educate people about the life-saving importance of organ donation,” said Savanna Pitard, Regional Development Manager for the National Kidney Foundation. “Every month the National Kidney Foundation donates $14,000 in direct aid to dialysis patients struggling to pay bills, obtain transportation to life-sustaining dialysis treatments, or simply buying daily groceries. We are so thankful to Congressman Posey’s continued support for those affected by kidney disease. The walk has grown over the years and will continue to save many lives.”

“The Cocoa Beach Footprints is a beautiful continuation and extension of the Richard K. Salick Labor Day Surf Festival,” said Phil Salick, Operations & Events Coordinator, Honorary Board of Trustee. “My twin brother and Billy Hahn co-founded the walk in 2012. Billy was on the original Salick surf team and became the original member of the Salick kidney recipient team. Their shared vision has created an even broader base of awareness to the critical need for organ donors. Our two events, both held at the Cocoa Beach Pier, raised over $200,000 every year. Our hundreds of volunteers are tireless in their support and many of our sponsors support both events. Congressman Posey started his support and friendship with my brother Rich and the National Kidney Foundation many years ago and it has grown with the addition of the kidney walk.”

To learn more about kidney disease and what you can do to help, please visit the National Kidney Foundation’s website www.kidney.org.