Towson Transplant Recipient Partaking in Baltimore Kidney Walk

The Baltimore Kidney Walk is a venue for Kate Mack to connect with a community of people with shared experiences.

Mack, a 35-year-old Towson resident, was diagnosed with kidney disease when she was 18 years old, and has battled the disease for more than 10 years. 

"I was of course terrified," she said. "It was a bit of a shock."

Mack received a kidney transplant in February 2011 through an exchange program.

Her father-in-law, who was a match, offered Mack his kidney, but doctors told them that a younger kidney would be preferable. Instead, the father-in-law gave his kidney to a woman close to his age and that woman's daughter, who is closer to Mack's age, donated to her.

"There are many misconceptions out there about kidney disease and transplants," Mack said. "[Getting a transplant] was the only way it worked out for me."

Mack has participated in the walk for the few years to spread awareness about kidney disease and connect with others who have been impacted.

"This is a great opportunities to learn about kidney disease and meet others that had the same disease," she said.

The 11th annual event will kick off at 9 a.m. Sunday at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. Funds raised for the walk will benefit the efforts of the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland.