National Kidney Foundation of MI to hold annual walk in May

(WJBK) - The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan kicked off its campaign Monday for its annual walk at the Detroit Zoo.

According to the foundation, more than 900 Michigan residents have chronic kidney disease and many don't know it.

Organizers hope to raise $600,000 this year for services and prevention programs.

"This is so important because one in nine people have kidney disease, and most of them don't know it. ... We're here to try and prevent it," said Lisa Schutz Jelic, director of development at the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan.

FOX 2 is proud to be a sponsor of the 20th annual kidney walk.

Our own Rich Luterman was at the kick off event at Schoolcraft College, taking requests for sunshine and good weather for the walk.

The walk is slated to take place on May 15 at the Detroit Zoo. The honorary chair is Wright L. Lassiter III of the Henry Ford Health System.

During the event, there will be food,  a DJ and live music, face painting, and other activities for kids.

For more information and to register for the event, click here.