Chase Woman to Rappel for Kidney Foundation

Wanda Lessner has witnessed for years the impact of kidney disease.

First as a nurse and now in her current job with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Lessner said it’s frustrating just how many people aren’t aware of how to ensure they have healthy kidneys.

“Most people can tell you about their blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar, but when you ask them about their kidneys, they just shrug their shoulders,” Lessner said.

So Lessner, a Chase resident, decided to become more involved in advocating for kidney health.  This includes serving as board president of the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland.

Lessner wanted to do even more to bring attention to her cause, so she will join at least 85 others Saturday who will rappel down the face of the 33-story Marriott Baltimore Waterfront downtown to raise money for the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland in the charity’s annual Rappel for Kidney Health.

This is the third year Lessner, along with her husband, Keith, will be  participating in the rappel. In previous years, the couple rappelled down the new Legg Mason building and the Canton Tower.

Lessner said neither she nor her husband had done anything like this before getting involved in this event. She added that participants receive safety training on the day of the rappel from Over the Edge, a Canadian-based company, which helps organize events like this across the country.

“It’s an amazing experience when you get that sensation of climbing down a building, especially when you know it’s going toward a good cause,” Lessner said.

Lessner said what she is most proud of with this event is that the money raised goes directly to help kidney health causes in Maryland, such as health screenings, research grants and assistance for emergency dialysis.

Through 8 a.m. Friday, the rappel has raised more than $85,000. Lessner has raised $2,000 so far, but said every dollar helps and there is still plenty of opportunities for those interested to make a donation.

“The more awareness we can bring to kidney health, the more lives we can possibly save,” Lessner said.