Cassie Burton’s doctor told her she would be dead or on dialysis in seven years, when she was diagnosed with kidney disease at the age of 18.

As a nurse, she had always accepted the word of physicians, but this time she was more than happy to prove them wrong. She was 36 years old before she was forced to begin a thrice-weekly dialysis routine.

“I have a sure faith in my Savior and that had a lot to do with it,” she said while taking a break from organizing Saturday’s South Plains Kidney Foundation’s 1K Walk ’n’ Roll at the Buddy Holly Recreation Area, at North University Avenue and Canyon Lakes Drive.

Burton had participated in the walk years ago, but “we didn’t have one for several years and I wanted to get people involved.”

She began talking about reviving the walk last fall with Kathy Le, a social worker with Fresenius Medical Care.

Organizing the walk has been an eye-opener for Burton, and a physical drain.

“I just get worn out,” she said. “But it’s been good for me because it gives me something to do on the days I’m not in dialysis.”

“She wanted a way to provide some financial assistance to patients and have patients realize they are not alone,” Le said. “Cassie is an amazing person. I feel she wants to motivate other patients to be strong, continue living, as she does daily.”

The South Plains Kidney Foundation was one of the premier volunteer organizations in Lubbock for many years, said Dr. Brian Carr, incoming president of the South Plains Kidney Foundation. But it disbanded for several years and is now resurging with a new board and a slate of events, including reviving the annual kidney walk.

Money raised from the kidney walk goes toward a wide area of needs, including financial assistance for people on dialysis and patient education, Burton said.

Le said those on dialysis need education and encouragement.

“The biggest struggles I find in people with kidney disease are financial troubles and mental well-being,” Le said. “While the cost of living and the cost of medical and personal needs continue to increase, their income is fixed. It creates emotional stress on top of having to come in three times a week, for four hours each treatment.”

More than 800 people a week in Lubbock receive dialysis treatment three times a week at Lubbock’s three dialysis centers, Carr said.

“Every dollar we raise through our fund-raisers stays right here,” he said.

Sign-in begins at 7:30 a.m., and the walk starts at 8 a.m. Any size donation may be made to enter the walk. A $30 check earns the participant a Walk ’n’ Roll T-shirt.

For more information on the Kidney Walk or on the South Plains Kidney Foundation, visit southplainskidney.com

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