American Kidney Fund Honors Children Who Have Kidney Disease
Winners of nationwide art contest travel to Washington, D.C., Sept 14-16, 2007. Washington, D.C. (Vocus/PRWEB ) September 14, 2007 -- A group of children with kidney disease will visit Washington, D.C., the weekend of September 14-16, 2007, to be honored for their winning entries in the 12th annual national art contest of the American Kidney Fund, a nonprofit organization that is the #1 source of financial assistance to kidney patients in the United States. Ranging in age from 7 to 18, and coming from across the United States, the children will have their original drawings published in the American Kidney Fund’s 2008 calendar. “Meeting these amazing children is always a highlight of the year for all of us at the American Kidney Fund,” said LaVarne A. Burton, Chief Executive Officer of the American Kidney Fund. “We are inspired to get to know these young artists who have faced enormous challenges in their lives with such positive attitudes.” The weekend kicks off on Friday night with a welcome dinner at the Crystal City Marriott at Reagan National Airport. The dinner will feature two special guests, Etan Thomas of the Washington Wizards and Nikki Teasley of the Washington Mystics. After meeting these professional basketball players on Friday night, the children and their families will tour D.C. on Saturday and then will enjoy an awards dinner on Saturday night. Today in the United States, there are about 2,300 children who are on dialysis, and another 4,900 who are living with kidney transplants. The weekend in D.C. gives children with kidney disease a chance not only to be recognized for their artistic achievements, but to have the opportunity to meet other families who are coping with the same medical issues they face. The winners of the calendar contest include:
- Yasmine Yala, 16, Oak Park, IL
- Maria Tran, 14, Caledonia, MI
- David Neth, 15, Bel Air, MD
- Kaylin Burr, 10, Lone Tree, IA
- Miranda Peralta, 9, Napa, CA
- Najha Marshall, 7, Laurel, MD
- Samantha Strain, 14, Farmington, NY
- Natanael Rivera, 16, Springfield, MO
- Levi Joel Faber, 10, Ada, MI
- Jesus Mireles, 16, San Antonio, TX
- Cody Saunders, 14, Maryville, TN
- Amanda Large, 18, Sullivan, MO
The American Kidney Fund provides financial assistance to kidney patients and education to people who are at risk for kidney disease. Ninety-six cents of every dollar spent goes directly to programs and services. In 2006, the American Kidney Fund helped more than 63,500 kidney patients, distributing $81.9 million in grants to assist patients with treatment related expenses.To order a 2008 calendar, call the American Kidney Fund’s HelpLine at 866-300-2900 or visit www.kidneyfund.org. Proceeds support the services and programs of the American Kidney Fund. Contact:
Tamara Ruggiero
301-984-6657 ###
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