September 15, 2007 marked the first annual Step Forward Philadelphia walk presented by General Air Products.  It took place at the Lower Perkiomen Valley Park which offered walkers two distance options.  Some walkers chose a four mile lope while others chose a shorter one mile loop.  Although the walk began at 9 am, walkers continued to join in on the walk throughout the day.

When volunteers began arriving the morning of, it did not look like the weather was going to cooperate.  The skies were dark and there were strong gusts of wind; however, this was no match for the patient families who had organized the event.  Despite the bad weather, the Merediths, Fremonts, Waetzmans, Coudons, McDevitts, Sam Dulay and Liz Casals, all showed up at the crack of dawn to begin setting up.

Thankfully, Mother Nature smiled upon them, and just as walkers began arriving, the skies opened up and the sun finally made its appearance.  It was a beautiful autumn day for the 80 plus walkers that ventured out onto one of the two trail options. 

Congressman Jim Gerlach, the Honorary Chairman of the walk, welcomed walkers and kicked off the event.  Walkers were also joined by Dr. Jorge Baluarte, Medical Director of the Renal Transplant program at CHOP, and honorary chair of the walk.  Dr. Baluarte completed the four mile trail with his two daughters. 

Later that morning, the kids gathered around to hear children’s musician, Mike Schuler perform songs from his debut album, Potato Lane.  Guests also watched the impromptu dancing styles of Hannah (diagnosed at age 2 with NS) and Max (diagnosed at 20 months with FSGS.)

Over 100 people turned out to support the StepForward Philadelphia event which raised over $14,000 for NephCure!

The NephCure Foundation THANKS ALL SPONSORS including the GENERAL AIR PRODUCTS, GODDARD SCHOOL and CEPHALON.

A special thank you is dedicated to all families involved!