Kidney Health is urging Australians to pull on their red socks and run, walk or ride 60km throughout October in support of those affected by kidney disease.
The Red Socks Run 60km challenge is inspired by people living with kidney failure who require life-saving dialysis.
Kidney Health Australia CEO, Chris Forbes says there are more than 27,000 Australians living with kidney failure and more than half of those need dialysis treatment to survive.
He says that on average those with kidney failure spend 60 hours per month “strapped to a machine to clean their blood”.
The reason for the ‘red socks’ is that during treatment those undergoing treatment experience extremely cold body temperatures – “Especially their feet,” Mr Forbes said, “So many wear socks.”
“This is why we are asking people to don our special Red Socks in honour of these brave people and get involved in the Red Socks Run,” he said.
The virtual Red Socks Run challenge starts on 1 October (until 31 October) and supports Australians affected by kidney disease.
Participants can complete the challenge in their own time and place and sign up as an individual or as part of a team.
“You can run, walk or ride 60km over the month of October or choose your own goal. No matter how far you walk, run or ride, every kilometre will help someone whose life has been turned upside down by a kidney disease diagnosis,” Mr Forbes said.
Kidney health awareness
Kidney Health Australia is determined to prevent more people from reaching kidney failure and enduring a lifetime on dialysis.
With 1.5 million Australians unaware that they have the early signs of the disease, the Red Socks Run also aims to raise vital awareness.
“The shocking fact about kidney disease is that a person can lose up to 90% of kidney function before any symptoms are apparent,” Mr Forbes said.
“A person could be relatively fine one day and the next they could be in hospital facing a life sentence of continuous dialysis or on a transplant list, waiting for a suitable kidney donor.”
On average, 63 Australians will die every day from kidney-related disease and currently, there is no cure for it.
The Red Socks Run helps to fund life-changing treatments and vital support services for those living with the disease.
To find out more and sign up for the Kidney Health Red Socks Run, visit redsocksrun.org.au
