AUSTIN, Texas – The Austin community came together on October 26 for the 2025 Austin Kidney Walk, an event dedicated to raising awareness, support, and critical funding for people affected by kidney disease. The walk, which took place on a cool Saturday morning, drew hundreds of participants, including patients, family members, healthcare professionals, and living donors, all united by a shared commitment to fighting one of the nation’s most pervasive health conditions.
Organized in partnership with the National Kidney Foundation, the Austin Kidney Walk raised over $90,000 this year, contributing to nationwide efforts to improve research, prevention, and advocacy for kidney health. The event continues to grow in size and impact each year, reflecting both Austin’s strong sense of community and the growing need for education surrounding kidney disease.
Dr. Nicole Turgeon, Division Chief of Transplant Surgery at the UT Abdominal Transplant Center, highlighted how community engagement is helping to expand the reach of kidney health initiatives. “The walk is growing here in Austin every year,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see people come together—not just patients, but families, donors, and medical teams—all walking toward the same goal of awareness and prevention.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in seven Americans—around 37 million people—live with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Alarmingly, nearly 90 percent of them are unaware they have the condition. Executive Director of the National Kidney Foundation, Calvin Lyons, emphasized the importance of education and early detection. “There are millions of people living with chronic kidney disease, and most have no idea they’re sick,” Lyons explained. “Events like this not only raise funds but also spark conversations that can lead to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes.”
For many participants, the walk was about more than fundraising—it was personal. Juan Rodriguez, a kidney failure survivor diagnosed in 2019, shared how his experience has shaped his mission to advocate for prevention and awareness. “My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s made me more determined to help others,” Rodriguez said. “Being part of this community in Austin has given me strength and support. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Rodriguez’s story reflects a common theme among participants—resilience, gratitude, and the desire to make a difference. Many attendees used the event as an opportunity to honor loved ones affected by kidney disease or to celebrate those who have received transplants and regained their health.
Chronic kidney disease often develops silently, with few symptoms in its early stages. By the time patients notice complications, the disease can already be in advanced stages. This reality underscores the importance of awareness campaigns like the Austin Kidney Walk, which encourage people to get tested regularly and make lifestyle changes that support kidney health.
Beyond the walk itself, organizers are encouraging the public to remain engaged year-round. Supporters can contribute to the National Kidney Foundation through donations at www.kidney.org, use social media to share educational resources, or consider becoming living organ donors. Every contribution, they say, helps to advance prevention efforts and provide vital resources to patients in need.
The Austin Kidney Walk also serves as a platform for the medical community to connect directly with patients and families. Doctors, nurses, and transplant specialists from across Texas attended the event, offering information on treatment options, organ donation, and maintaining kidney health through balanced nutrition and regular medical checkups.
For many attendees, the event was both inspiring and hopeful—a reminder that collective action can make a meaningful impact. As awareness spreads and more individuals take preventive measures, health experts believe the rates of advanced kidney disease can decline over time.
The continued success of the Austin Kidney Walk underscores the city’s commitment to community-driven change. Each step taken at the event represents not just a stride toward better health but also a gesture of solidarity with the millions of Americans affected by kidney disease.
With its growing participation, record fundraising, and heartfelt stories of survival, the 2025 Austin Kidney Walk stands as a testament to what compassion, awareness, and community can achieve together in the ongoing fight against kidney disease.
