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Congressman Bill Posey will help kick-off this weekend’s 5K Kidney Beach Walk sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) of Florida as a tribute to organ donation. The walk will take place at 9:00 AM on May 12th, 2012 at the Cocoa Beach Pier in Cocoa Beach Florida. The day’s activities will begin with a “Circle of Life” paddle-out in the morning sunrise and conclude with a “Sand Castles of Hope” contest for kids.

“One of the many challenges that organ transplant recipients face is the high cost of immunosuppressive medications which help the body adjust to new donor organs,” said Congressman Posey, who is a member of the Congressional Kidney Caucus and Diabetes Caucus. “Currently, Medicare covers the cost of kidney transplant surgeries but only temporarily covers the cost of the medications which are needed to prevent rejection. After three years, coverage is cancelled. I’ve cosponsored legislation to fix this problem (H.R. 2969), which will ultimately save lives and Medicare resources over time.”

“This event will just solidify the contribution and commitment the NKF and the State of Florida makes to saving lives,” said Richard Salick, NKF Director of Communities Relations in Florida. “Congressmen Posey’s support of this cause makes him the perfect candidate to kick-off what is sure to become a tradition.”

“We become centered, renewed, and touched, not only physically but in our hearts and spirits,” said Pastor Bob Bruckart, Director of Pastoral Care Health First Hospitals. “We walk and are made whole.”

“How wonderful to walk on our Cocoa Beach shore, a stretch of beach that has given so much to organ donation,” said Kay Poindexter, a Social Worker with Freseneius Dialysis Center in Viera. “Our team – Violet’s Team – honors a founder of our Viera Dialysis Center who has touched many lives.”

“I think it’s a beautiful theme, what a way to spend the morning,” said Kristin Neal, Public Education Coordinator at TransLife. “A gorgeous backdrop and a wonderful event.