Chicago Walk for the Cure 2014 October 15, 2014 by Lauren Eva The Sunday, October 12, 2014, Chicago Walk for the Cure held in Addison, Il. was a huge success with over 115 walkers, including 10 patient families. After the walk, a carnival was held with games for all ages, along with a bake sale and raffle. The event raised over $10,000. Congratulations to our organizing committee and their families for making this event memorable.
Rival Game Relay Raises Money and Awareness for NephCure September 19, 2014 by Lauren Eva RGR Organizers Kate and Mike Maurer Mike and Kate Maurer are runners who came up with an inspired idea and organized a great event for a great cause, but they’re more than that: they’re parents to a wonderful little boy named Alex. Five-year-old Alex is active and energetic, he loves climbing and running…when he’s feeling well enough to play like other five year olds. Alex has Nephrotic Syndrome, a condition neither of his parents had even heard of before he was diagnosed. Ultra-runner Troy Thompson Mike and Kate know the trials of managing and living with NS, and like tens of thousands of others rely on breakthroughs in medical research to find better treatments and a cure for their son. They decided they needed to do something. As avid runners having completed numerous races of distances ranging from 5k to marathon, and team relays of 212 miles, they decided to blend their love of running with their desire to fundraise and created a 124-mile race called the Rival Game Relay. Capitalizing on a centuries-old Iowa rival between the University of Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa State Cyclones, they timed their race to coincide with the annual Iowa/ISU football game. Eleven teams registered to complete the course beginning in Ames, IA, Cyclone territory, and finishing just outside of Iowa City, IA, land of the Hawkeyes. Several teams were comprised of eight or more runners who ran various legs, “ultra” teams contained 5 runners or less, and ultra runner Troy Thompson completed 102 of the 124 mile course on his own! NephCure Kidney International thanks the Maurers and all of the runners who participated in the inaugural Rival Game Relay event. The 2014 RGR trophy went to the ISU Cyclones NephCure and the RGR team up to fight kidney disease! Post-race festivities under the RGR tent
NephCure Silent Auction and Scavenger Hunt – Herndon, VA September 5, 2014 by wpengine Come out and join the fun in Herndon, Virginia with this exciting fundraiser! Local volunteer and lead fundraiser Nikki Buermeyer is holding her fifth annual event to support NephCure Kidney International. WHEN: Saturday, October 11, 2014 from 2-5pm WHERE: Frying Pan Park Visitor’s Center at 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon, VA 20171 Join us for our fifth annual event benefiting NephCure Kidney International! This year we are excited to bring you even more fun ways to raise support for this important cause. Silent auction Video scavenger hunt Live band Wine, beer and baked goods Free T-shirts to anyone that donates $50! Contact Nikki Buermeyer with questions, suggestions, or if you would like to donate to the silent auction or volunteer. Email nbuermeyer@teamnephcure.org Phone: 703-476-8203 Thank You to our Sponsors!
Countdown To A Cure Calgary August 12, 2014 by Lauren Eva Countdown To A Cure Calgary successful in raising money and awareness for Rare kidney disease in Canada March 10, 2014 On March 8, The NephCure Foundation held a fundraiser to support Canadian research initiatives seeking the cause and cure for the rare kidney disease FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis) and Nephrotic Syndrome. Countdown To A Cure, a Denim and Diamonds-themed reception and dinner featured an array of delicious foods, music, silent auction items and more. The event held at Silver Springs Golf & Country Club and attended by more than 120 supporters, raised more than $45,000 for Canada-based research initiatives. Through a partnership with the Kidney Foundation of Canada, every dollar raised from the event will be matched to support specific research programs in Canada. Andrea Galbraith of Calgary organized this first annual event. Andrea’s daughter, Sophia, was diagnosed with the rare kidney disease FSGS at age 2. Since 2010, Andrea has now raised more than $185,000 for research to find a cure for Sophia and others battling these terrible kidney conditions. In addition to Countdown, Andrea’s fundraising efforts have included running a 10k race with her brother, organizing the 2012-13 NephCure runs/walks and a special event in Ontario. “Andrea’s commitment to finding better treatments for her daughter’s disease impacts all families dealing with these kidney conditions,” said Henry Brehm, CEO of The NephCure Foundation. “Andrea is a very special person as every day she gives her time to make life better for others. The volunteers from CIBC, friends and family all contributed to the event’s success.” Andrea’s daughter, Sophia, has been hospitalized more than 40 times because of complications related to FSGS. “I have a sick child and there are others battling kidney disease as well. All they want is to lead a normal life,” said Galbraith. “It’s important for people to know about FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome. I have an older daughter that is often feels left out because of the health needs of her younger daughter. These conditions impact the lives of patients and their families.” NephCure supports research conducted by investigators associated with Canadian institutions through a grant award co-sponsored with Kidney Foundation of Canada. In 2011, the first recipient of the $100,000 award was Dr. York Pei at University of Toronto. NephCure has committed to support up to two studies at Canadian institutions in 2014. The NephCure Foundation is the only organization solely committed to seeking the cause and cure for the kidney disease FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome. Comprised of patients, their families and friends, researchers, physicians and other healthcare professionals, NephCure aims to help science unlock the biological mechanisms that cause these serious conditions and ultimately find a way to cure and prevent them. Money raised for NephCure in Canada stays in Canada and funds research and education programs applicable to FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome.
Montreal Walk August 12, 2014 by Lauren Eva On September 14, 2013 in Montreal’s Parc Maisonneuve, friends and members of the Spadafora family gathered for the annual NephCure Walk in support of ‘Team Andrew’. Over $16,000 was raised at the event and this amount will be matched by the Kidney Foundation of Canada bringing the combined total for the event to $32,000! Congratulations to everyone on a job well done!
Montreal ZUMBAS for a cure! August 12, 2014 by Lauren Eva On Saturday, October 26, Rita Spadafora, mother of Andrew, and just hot off the trail of her annual NephCure walk, hosted a ZUMBA-thon to raise nearly $600 for the NepCure Foundation. Congratulations Rita, friends and Family! For more information and to view photos from this event, visit https://www.facebook.com/NephcureCanada
Calgary Virtual Walk August 12, 2014 by Lauren Eva On Saturday, September 28, 2013 several families walked or ran in different areas of Calgary to support The NephCure Foundation. This ‘virtual walk’ was held as an alternative to the walk which, like so many others, had to be cancelled because of the flooding that took place in June. Despite all the challenges , the Calgary walk managed to raise another $31,000.00 for kidney research which brings us another step closer to finding a cure. Also, the funds raised will be matched by The Kidney Foundation of Canada which will bring the total raised to $62,000. Thank you Calgary!
Jet Food Stores annual NephCure Golf Classic set for May 6, NASCAR Driver David Ragan and Former UGA Football Phenom David Greene to Attend August 8, 2014 by Lauren Eva May 1, 2014 On May 6, Jet Food Stores will host the NephCure Golf Classic at Twin City Country Club in Sandersville, Georgia. The event will benefit the NephCure International Kidney Foundation, an organization committed to supporting research seeking a cure for the potentially debilitating kidney disease Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and Nephrotic Syndrome. This is the 15th year of the golf tournament and the 11th it will benefit NephCure. The event has generated more than $350,000 for the NephCure mission since its inception. Forty-five foursomes have registered for the event. NephCure board member and Jet Foods President Charles Turner is the driving force behind the event. This cause is important to his family and their goal of supporting research to discover and make available better treatments for all families dealing with these kidney conditions. NASCAR driver and NephCure Ambassador David Ragan will attend. The Ragan family has a long history with Jet Food Stores. “We sponsored Ken Ragan 30 years ago,” said David Usry, vice president at Jet Food Stores. “We then started sponsoring his son David when he was 10 years old. We’ve sponsored him throughout his career. We’ve always had a great relationship with them; a friendship more than anything. [David] is a great guy and he has never forgotten where he came from,” Usry concluded. Ragan drives the No. 34 Ford for Front Row Motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Another standout attendee will be David Greene, a former quarterback from University of Georgia. “He’s like Joe Namath around here,” Usry said. “He’s a great guy with a lot of Character.” Greene played for Georgia from 2000 to 2004. During his tenure, he set the NCAA Division I record for wins (42), a record set previously by Peyton Manning, and led the Bulldogs to a Sugar Bowl win in 2002. Greene spent three years in the NFL after being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2005. Registration for the tournament will begin at 9 a.m. and will be followed by an autograph session with Ragan and Greene. Food and refreshments will be available throughout the course and a dinner will conclude the day. Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS are conditions that affect the tiny filtering mechanisms in the kidney. The result is that beneficial protein is spilled from the kidney into the urine and lost. Over time this condition can lead to kidney failure and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. The cause for Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS is not known and there is no cure. The NephCure Foundation is the only organization solely committed to seeking a cause and cure for Nephrotic Syndrome and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Comprised of patients, their families and friends, researchers, physicians, and other healthcare professionals, NephCure aims to help science unlock the biological mechanisms that cause these serious conditions and ultimately find a way to cure and prevent them.
NephCure Participates in BTIG Commissions for Charity Day August 8, 2014 by Lauren Eva May 19, 2014 BTIG, LLC, a global financial services firm specializing in institutional trading and related brokerage services, raised over $5 million on Tuesday May 13th, 2014, from its annual Commissions for Charity Day. The event hosted athletes and celebrities as “guest-traders” to help raise money for a wide range of children’s charities and other important causes. The money raised this year will be donated to a number of charities from around the world. NephCure was among many charities selected to participate. “Guest-traders” from this year’s event, included: Beth Ostrosky Stern, Bobby Valentine, Bode Miller, Bridget Moynahan, Carmelo Anthony, CC Sabathia, Damaris Lewis, David Wright, Eduardo Garcia, Eli Manning, Joe Namath, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, Matt Harvey, Matt Dillon, Padma Lakshmi, Petra Nemcova, Phil Simms, Reggie Jackson, Shaquille O’Neal, Victor Cruz and many more. “This year, with the help of our clients, we partnered with more celebrities and professional athletes than ever to raise an unprecedented amount of money to support many important causes,” said Scott Kovalik, co-founder and CEO of BTIG. “We really look forward to our charity day each year as it’s a great time for our clients and employees to come together to support important causes. The unique platform gives celebrities an unusual vehicle through which they can donate their time and raise money for causes important to them.” said Steven Starker, co-founder of BTIG, “This was our strongest year yet, and we are eager to see how the event makes a difference for the participating charities.” Over the past twelve years, the firm has raised more than $30 million and supported hundreds of charitable organizations. This year’s event set records for the annual charity day with the amount of donations raised and the number of charities involved. About BTIG BTIG, LLC is a global financial services company offering products and services across Equity Trading, Global Portfolio and ETF Trading, Derivatives, Fixed Income, Futures & Commodities, Foreign Exchange, Convertible/Preferred Securities, Corporate Access, Equity Research, Capital Markets, Prime Brokerage, Electronic Trading and Outsource Trading. With U.S. offices located in New York, San Francisco, Dallas, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Red Bank, and Purchase and overseas affiliates located in London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney, BTIG, including through its affiliates, employs more than 450 professionals worldwide.
Jet Food Stores Supports Rare Kidney Disease Research with In-Store Program August 8, 2014 by Lauren Eva The Turner family and Jet Food Stores change the face of kidney disease, one kidney at a time. On June 2, Jet Food Stores will launch their seventh annual Kidney Icon campaign in support of The NephCure Foundation, whose mission is to support scientific research pursuing improved treatments and cure for kidney disease FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome. Through August 4th, 51 Jet Food Stores locations will display kidney icons available for purchase by patrons for $1 and $5 each. “The NephCure Foundation is tremendously grateful for the support of Jet Food Stores,” said NephCure CEO, Henry Brehm. “Since 2008, Jet Food Stores has generated an average of $30,000 each year through this Kidney Icon program alone. This funding has supported exciting advances in research, including the identification of over 28 genetic mutations associated with FSGS, a rare and debilitating disease.” For their 2014 campaign, with the help of the surrounding communities, the Georgia convenience store chain hopes to surpass past years’ contributions. NephCure board member and Jet Foods President Charles Turner is the driving force behind the program. This cause is important to his family and their goal of supporting research to discover and make available better treatments for all families dealing with these kidney conditions. Last year, Amy Bussey and her staff at the Jet Store in Douglas, Ga. raised $3,338, the most raised by a single store out of all of their 51 locations. A list of stores participating in the 2014 program can be found here. New for 2014 is an Adopt-A-Store component. Local NephCure families wanted to express their gratitude to Jet Food Stores for improving outcomes for their loved ones. Each family is “adopting” a store to personally thank the employees who have made a difference in their lives. “It’s a way for our families to explain the impact that Jet Food Stores has in their lives. An opportunity to share their stories and let these amazing Jet Foods employees meet the true face of NephCure – the families whose lives are impacted by these terrible diseases,” said NephCure COO Mark Stone. This major fundraising effort comes weeks after the convenience store company held their 11th Annual NephCure Golf Classic at Twin City Country Club in Sandersville, Ga. Jet Food Stores are working to improve lives in their community and world wide. About Nephrotic Syndrome Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS are conditions that affect the tiny filtering mechanisms in the kidney. The result is that beneficial protein is spilled from the kidney into the urine and lost. Over time this condition can result in renal failure and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. The cause for Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS is not known and there is no cure. About The NephCure Foundation The NephCure Foundation is the only organization solely committed to seeking a cause and cure for the kidney disease Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and Nephrotic Syndrome. Comprised of patients, their families and friends, researchers, physicians and other healthcare professionals, NephCure aims to help science unlock the biological mechanisms that cause these serious conditions and ultimately find a way to cure and prevent them.