This Saturday, April 2, the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona will host its charity 5K walk, with a special celebrity advocate participating. Grizz Chapman of NBC’s “30 Rock” has a powerful connection to Arizona, as he recently received a kidney transplant from native Arizonan Ryan Perkins.

Chapman previously suffered from severe hypertension, which ultimately led to kidney failure and the need for an organ transplant. Perkins researched the disease and after realizing he had the power to save someone’s life, decided to donate his kidney. The procedure took place in July 2010.

Now Chapman is the spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation and shares his experience with others. And he will join Perkins and the other Arizona advocates as they participate in the NKF’s non-competitive 5K walk at Chase Field Ballpark on April 2.

Monies raised as a result of the event will benefit programs related to education and prevention of kidney disease, as the NKF of Arizona reports that more than 600,000 Arizonans have chronic kidney disease. The foundation also stresses that those with CKD in its early stages typically don’t experience any symptoms, making the need for awareness even more prevalent. Additionally, 1,925 Arizonans are waiting for an organ, and of those, 1,350 are waiting for a kidney.

You can show your support by registering for the 5K and walking alongside dialysis patients, organ transplant recipients, donor families, living donors, members of the medical and business communities, and other advocates, as well as family, friends and colleagues. Find more information at azkidney.org.

Registration will be from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on April 2, and the walk will begin at 9 a.m.

Chase Field Ballpark is located at 401 E. Jefferson St. in Phoenix

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