LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 2nd Annual Long Island Kidney
Walk on May 31, 2009

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in helping to increase
awareness and understanding of important medical conditions which affect
citizens across our great State and throughout the nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is pleased to commemorate the
2nd Annual Long Island Kidney Walk on Sunday, May 31, 2009; and
WHEREAS, The National Kidney Foundation Serving Greater New York, a
division of the National Kidney Foundation, proudly sponsors the Long
Island Kidney Walk to walk in solidarity to raise awareness and funds to
fight kidney disease and increase the availability of organs for trans-
plantation; and
WHEREAS, The Kidney Walk presents an opportunity for family, friends
and colleagues to celebrate life while participating in an inspiring,
community-based event which calls attention to the need for early
detection of kidney disease while supporting the National Kidney Founda-
tion's patient services, public and professional initiatives, and kidney
research; and
WHEREAS, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects 26 million Americans, 1
in 9 adults, and another 20 million are at increased risk and do not
know it; and
WHEREAS, In New York State alone it is estimated that 1.3 million
residents have Chronic Kidney Disease; 50,000 are being kept alive by
dialysis treatment; and
WHEREAS, Risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, and fami-
ly history; Chronic Kidney Disease has a disproportionate effect on
minorities; African Americans are affected at a rate four times greater
than Caucasians; and
WHEREAS, Of the more than 100,000 Americans currently awaiting trans-
plants, 79,000 are waiting for a kidney; the lives of up to 50 people
can be saved or enhanced by a single organ and tissue donor; and
WHEREAS, While the Long Island Kidney Walk, a 5-K (3 mile) walk, to be
held on the campus of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, has the
serious purpose of focusing on education and prevention of kidney and
urinary tract diseases and on highlighting the need for organ donation,
it features many enjoyable activities as well, including a festival of
live music, food, entertainment, celebrities, information and exhibit
booths, and activities for children; and
WHEREAS, On the occasion of its 2nd Annual Long Island Kidney Walk,
this Legislative Body is pleased to have the opportunity to express its
highest admiration for the National Kidney Foundation Serving Greater
New York and to wish it continued success in all its worthy endeavors;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 2nd Annual Long Island Kidney Walk on May 31, 2009; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the National Kidney Foundation Serving Greater New York.