Walk for Kidneys at Diversey Harbor Shatters Fundraising Goal

On Sunday, June 1, 2025, the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) welcomed 2,000 patients, family members, friends, and supporters of those with kidney disease to Diversey Harbor for the 26th annual Walk for Kidneys. People from all over Chicagoland turned out to embrace NKFI’s mission of improving the health and well-being of those at risk or affected by kidney disease through prevention, education, and empowerment. They raised more than $275,000 – exceeding the goal of $265,000 - which will go directly towards the crucial programs cultivated by NKFI and will provide services for people affected by or at risk of kidney disease across Illinois.

WVON’s Atiba Buchanan, a dialysis patient himself, emceed the event. Nurse, mother and transplant candidate Christine Hernandez, transplant recipient Tiara Owens, and living kidney donor Alyssa Geronimo shared their inspiring stories with the participants.   

“We cannot thank Chicagoland enough for the vital support it provides consistently to the work that we do to support those impacted by kidney diseases across this state,” said Jacqueline Burgess-Bishop, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. “This disease does not discriminate, but our Black and Brown communities are disproportionately impacted by kidney disease. It is only with the community’s help that we can change the trajectory of this disease.”

NKFI also thanks Vantive for being presenting sponsor of the 26th Annual Walk for Kidneys. Other sponsors include Fresenius Kidney Care, Dialysis Care Center/Kidney Care Center, Alexion, Associates in Nephrology, DaVita Kidney Care, EmVenio Research, Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois and Indiana, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Rush University Transplant, UI Health Transplant, U.S. Renal Care and more.

If you missed the walk, you can still donate to the cause by visiting www.nkfi.org/walk.

See photos from the event here.