Step Forward Maryland Raises Thousands for Kidney Disease Research

Over $30,000 raised for The NephCure Foundation

Saturday, May 31, 2008 marked the first annual Step Forward Maryland walk.  It took place at the Lake Elkhorn Pavilion in Columbia, MD.  The trail consisted of a 2 mile loop around the pavilion.  Although the walk began at 10 a.m., walkers continued to join in on the walk throughout the day.

More then 50 walkers participated.  Although, the humid day did give into some rain showers, the walkers did not let this interrupt their festivities.  Prior to the walk, participants were offered breakfast and following the walk, lunch was served.  The Baltimore Orioles Bird also attended the event to help entertain the participants. 

The Step Forward Maryland walk raised close to $30,000 for The NephCure Foundation that will go to help support research into finding a cause and cure for FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome.

A SPECIAL THANKS goes to the Duquette Family for their phenomenal fundraising efforts.  THANK YOU to Maria Rios for you commitment to organizing the event.

ADDITIONAL THANKS goes to the following sponsors for their overwhelming support:

            Howard County General Hospital
            Amgen
            Astellas
            Columbia Bank
            101.9 Lite FM
            Baltimore Sun
            Mark Viviano Show
            Steve Davis Show
            Tom Davis Show
            Joel Sherman’s NY Post Blog
            Baltimore Orioles Community Outreach