LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CORE Kidney, a patient support and advocacy group that helps kidney disease patients navigate their complex journey, today announces its participation in the 2024 Tournament of Roses® Parade by unveiling its specially designed kidney-shaped float to honor living kidney donors and spread awareness for kidney health screening.
Kidney disease is one of the top 10 causes of death in the U.S and affects more than 1 in 7 (15%) of American adults — an estimated 37 million people overall. Despite being the fastest-growing non-communicable disease in the U.S., the majority of times it goes undetected. Known as a silent killer, 9 out of 10 people with kidney disease are unaware they have it and symptoms often don’t show up until late stages. CORE Kidney’s mission is to bring light to how widespread kidney disease is, with the goal of inspiring more people to take preventive measures. Even though early kidney disease has no signs or symptoms, all it takes is a simple blood and urine test to see how your kidneys are working.
“Inspired by the patient advocacy of Dr. Anjay Rastogi, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Clinical Chief of Nephrology at UCLA Health, we thought a lot about how to bring kidney health awareness to a global stage and the Rose Parade made perfect sense,” said Dr. Rick Zumwalt, Ph.D., Neuropsychologist and CORE Rose Parade Committee Chairperson. “Kidney disease is perhaps the most fatal disease that goes undiagnosed and undiscussed in this country, and we need to encourage people to start prioritizing their kidney health. The earlier we detect irregularities, the better we can treat the disease and the more lives will be saved.”
Living kidney donation has saved hundreds of thousands of lives across the globe. Yet, in the U.S., the waiting period for a new kidney is increasingly dismal — taking anywhere from two to eight years. Additionally, due to systemic problems, insurance policies, and challenges regarding occupational, transportation and lodging concerns, the living kidney donor experience is far from ideal and discourages many away from their altruistic nature. However, these burdens haven’t stopped thousands of compassionate citizens from partaking in the selfless act of donation. CORE Kidney is sending a direct message to the donors across the world to honor their courageous journey.
“To all the living kidney donors around the world, CORE is humbled by your life saving donation. Your gift of life allows transplant recipients a chance of living longer and healthier. You not only help a patient or their family but the entire society and humanity. We want to let the world know how you inspire us to continue the fight for a day when there is no wait for a kidney transplant in the USA.”
CORE Kidney’s float will center around the theme, “The Gift of Life: A Tune That Never Fades.” The kidney-shaped float will seat living donors and kidney health champions in a beautiful colorful garden as they swing from the tree of life. The floral setting is gorgeously decorated with red and green roses, sunflowers, butterflies, sunflowers, a green ribbon, and a hummingbird at the top of the float — each of which has its own form of symbolism:
- Hummingbirds: in native cultures, hummingbirds are seen as spiritual guides who bring healing to the suffering.
- Green ribbon: a symbol of kidney health — a call back to the Green Ribbon Campaign started in 2016 by CORE Kidney that raised awareness for kidney health.
- Butterflies: represent transformation and rebirth. Purple butterflies also represent lupus nephritis.
- The tree represents both life and knowledge — symbolizing the continued need for education and kidney health awareness.
- Red roses represent kidney donors.
- Green roses represent kidney recipients.
About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® and Rose Parade® presented by Honda
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses® is a volunteer organization that hosts America’s New Year Celebration® with the Rose Parade® presented by Honda, the Rose Bowl Game® presented by Prudential and a variety of accompanying events. The Association’s 935 Members supply more than 80,000 volunteer hours, which will drive the success of the 135th Rose Parade, themed “Celebrating a World of Music” on Monday, January 1, 2024, followed by the CFP Semifinal at the 110th Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential. Visit www.tournamentofroses.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and YouTube.
About CORE Kidney
CORE Kidney is an unwavering patient support and advocacy group and a lifeline for kidney health awareness. For patients battling kidney disease, from early symptoms to late-stage conditions, CORE Kidney is dedicated to providing guidance to healing with comprehensive, integrated, and person-centered care for those suffering from this deadly disease. On a global scale, the organization aims to open the world’s eyes to the prevalence and gravity of kidney ailments — while bringing recognition to the global community of brave patients facing this battle. Founded by a group of kidney patients, living kidney donors and their caregivers, who are devoted to serving those who walk the same path, CORE Kidney is on a mission to eradicate kidney disease by ensuring all patients get the care they need from the moment they suspect an issue through every step of the journey. CORE stands for the organization’s core principles that serve as the guiding light in its mission: clinical excellence, outreach, research, and education. Through the organization’s continued dedication to these core principles, CORE Kidney is devoted to raising the bar with various events, programs and services that directly benefit patients, living donors, families and treating professionals. CORE Kidney has cultivated a devoted community of passionate voices who empower patients to advocate for their own health and build a future where all those suffering can heal as one. This year’s main event for CORE Kidney is “The Gift of Life” float in the 2024 Rose Parade presented by Honda. In line with CORE Kidney’s philosophy, this float represents the global focus of CORE in honoring living kidney donors and a call to action for kidney health screening.
To learn more, please visit www.corekidneyfoundation.org and/or follow CORE Kidney Foundation and CORE Kidney on socials: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
