Living Kidney Donation: Is it an option for you?
Saturday, May 17, 2008 - 9am - 12pm
Marriott Midway
6520 South Cicero Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
FREE PARKING!

Dialysis patients on the transplant waiting list and those considering donating a kidney are encouraged to attend this education breakfast on living kidney donation. For more information, please contact Mary Schlereth at 312.321.1500 x246 or via email to mschlereth@nkfi.org.

2008 Gift of Life Walk
Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 9am Registration; 10:30am Walk Start
Soldier Field Great Lawn
Chicago, Illinois

Help us set another record with the 2008 Gift of Life Walk sponsored by Baxter and Trader Joe's! Last year more than 1,200 participants joined the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois in support of kidney disease and diabetes awareness and prevention, organ donation education and early detection programs. This free event is offered each year to kidney patients, their families and friends, healthcare providers, transplant recipients, organ donor families and members of the Chicago area community. Following the three mile walk along Lake Michigan is an exciting and informative health fair and fantastic entertainment. Many thanks to our additional sponsors Abbott, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, Rush University Transplant, and Bizar Entertainment for their great support. Register and raise funds online at www.firstgiving.com/nkfi. For more information on this year's Walk, please contact Katherine Woerner at 312-321-1500 x238 or via email to kwoerner@nkfi.org.

Kidney Camp
Sunday, July 6 - Friday, July 11
YMCA Camp Duncan
Ingleside, Illinois

For one week, children ages 7-15 with chronic kidney disease, on dialysis or living with kidney transplants can experience the freedom, fun and independence of a traditional summer camp - free of charge! Activities include swimming, boating, horseback riding and arts and crafts. All of this is done in a safe environment where they continue to receive their medications and/or dialysis treatments at a local clinic. For information on attending Kidney Camp or on making a financial contribution to support this important program, please contact Nancy LePain at 312-321-1500 x232 or via email to nlepain@nkfi.org.

4th Annual Middle Market Open™ Golf Tournament
Monday, July 28, 2008
Olympia Fields Country Club
Olympia Fields, Illinois

Don't miss your chance to participate in what has quickly become the premier charity golf event of the Chicago financial community! Attended by the top echelons of the Chicago and Midwest business communities, as well as members of the pharmaceutical industry, this event is the perfect combination of championship level golf, outstanding prizes, silent auction items, and exceptional marketing and networking opportunities. Renowned for their championship North Course, Olympia Fields will be unveiling their newly restored South Course shortly before our event, thus making both enviable choices for play. Last year's event raised more than $145,000 to directly support the programs and initiatives of the NKFI and we hope to exceed that in 2008. Register online at www.middlemarketopen.com! For more information, please contact Katherine Woerner at 312-321-1500 x238 or via email to kwoerner@nkfi.org.

Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Grant Park
Chicago, Illinois

For the first time, the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois plans to participate in the 2008 Bank of America Chicago Marathon as an Associated Charity. In order for us to obtain this status, we need to guarantee at least 15 runners to run on behalf of our organization! If you are a marathon runner or have friends that are who would be interested in supporting the NKFI as they participate in the Marathon, please contact Katherine Woerner at 312-321-1500 x238 or via email to kwoerner@nkfi.org. We hope that being a part of this exciting and high profile annual event will help to raise both support and awareness for the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois!

23rd Annual Gift of Life Gala
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Hyatt Regency Chicago

The Gift of Life Gala is always a wonderful opportunity to join a unique party that connects the worlds of kidney disease, diabetes, organ donation, and transplantation. Past recipients of the “Gift of Life” award include former Secretary of State George M. Ryan, news anchor and film producer Bill Kurtis, Baxter Healthcare, the Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, Abbott and Secretary of State Jesse White.  25% of gala proceeds go directly to fund important research in Illinois. Celebrate with our partners who help us lead the way! For more information, please contact Katherine Woerner at 312-321-1500 x238 or via email to kwoerner@nkfi.org.