“A Beautiful Day with Our Kidney Community” - Noble Nephrons Raise Nearly $5000 for Patients with Kidney Disease

The 2024 St. Louis National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Kidney Walk held last Sunday at Westport Plaza was a big success, raising over $93,000 that will provide support and education to patients with kidney disease.

WashU Nephrology’s Noble Nephrons, the 3^rd highest fundraising team, raised nearly $5000, which far exceeded their initial goal of $2500.

“We enjoyed a beautiful day with our kidney community, and we were happy to see a lot of friendly faces at the walk,” says Carrie Koeller, MSW, LCSW, Renal Inpatient Social Worker, team co-captain along with Max Edele, Director of Clinical Operations. “I was super proud to be representing WashU Nephrology at the walk!”

Our Division hosted a vendor’s table at which swag was given out. “We had cups, pens, and lip balm – the most popular item!” says Koeller.

First-year nephrology fellow Atlee Baker, MD, MPH, was part of the Noble Nephrons Team. This was his first NKF Kidney Walk.

“Working with patients in the hospital or clinic serves as the backbone of fellowship training,” says Dr. Baker. “However, being out in the community and supporting patients and their families at events like these provide unique insight into aspects of the patient’s experience that we may not see otherwise. Fellows should take every opportunity they can to participate in these experiences.”

Koeller is grateful to everyone involved with this year’s walk: “We truly appreciate all of your generosity, teamwork, and encouragement.”