University of South Alabama Gulf Coast Regional Transplant Center invites walkers to join the National Kidney Foundation of Alabama's Kidney Walk, Saturday, Dec. 6 beginning at 8 a.m. at Cottage Hill Park, also known as Medal of Honor Park. The walk is a one-mile loop route at the park, allowing walkers to walk as many miles as they can.

Walkers can collect pledges and walk individually or as a team. On-site registration will be accepted as well. Walkers will receive an official Kidney Walk t-shirt when they raise $50, and additional prizes for raising $100 or more. Any walker raising $25 or more may sign the Kidney Walk Banner where they can include a brief message to a loved one along with their names. Amgen's Anemia Lifeline program is the national sponsor of the walk. USA's Gulf Coast Regional Transplant Center, that performs kidney transplants in Mobile, is the local sponsor. Transplant surgeon and medical director Dr. Velma Scantlebury says walkers will be supporting an important mission.

"Those who have had a kidney transplant, or are waiting for a transplant, know the seriousness of kidney disease and the impact it can have on quality of life," said Scantlebury. "The Walk helps raise awareness of the causes of kidney disease and the need for more organ donations."

The National Kidney Foundation of Alabama is dedicated to the prevention of kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well being of patients and families affected by these diseases and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation.

For more information on the Walk, kidney transplantation or organ donation, contact the USA Gulf Coast Regional Transplant Center at 251-471-7391.