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Kidney disease is one of the top 10 causes of death in the U.S and affects more than 1 in 7 (15%) of American adults — an estimated 37 million people overall. Despite being the fastest-growing non-communicable disease in the U.S., the majority of times it goes undetected. Known as a silent killer, 9 out of 10 people with kidney disease are unaware they have it and symptoms often don’t show up until late stages. CORE Kidney’s mission is to bring light to how widespread kidney disease is, with the goal of inspiring more people to take preventive measures. Even though early kidney disease has no signs or symptoms, all it takes is a simple blood and urine test to see how your kidneys are working

Inspired by the patient advocacy of Anjay Rastogy, MD, Ph,D we thought a lot about how to bring Kidney Health awareness to a global stage and the Rose Parade made perfect sense, said Dr Rick Zumwalt.  Kidney disease is perhaps the most fatal disease that goes undiagnosed and undiscussed in this country and we need to encourage people to start prioritizing their kidney health. The earlier we detect irregularities, the better we can treat the disease and the more lives will be saved.

Living kidney donation has saved hundreds of thousands of lives across the globe. Yet, in the U.S., the waiting period for a new kidney is increasingly dismal — taking anywhere from two to eight years. Additionally, due to systemic problems, insurance policies, and challenges regarding occupational, transportation and lodging concerns, the living kidney donor experience is far from ideal and discourages many away from their altruistic nature. However, these burdens haven’t stopped thousands of compassionate citizens from partaking in the selfless act of donation. CORE Kidney is sending a direct message to the donors across the world to honor their courageous journey.

To all the living kidney donors around the world, we at CORE are humbled by your life saving donation, Your gift of life allows transplant recipients a chance of living longer and healthier. You not only help a patient or their family but the entire society and humanity.  We want to let the world know how you inspire us to continue the fight for a day when there is no wait for a kidney transplant in the USA.

CORE Kidney’s float will center around the theme, “The Gift of Life: A Tune That Never Fades.” The kidney-shaped float will seat living donors and kidney health champions in a beautiful colorful garden as they swing from the tree of life. The floral setting is gorgeously decorated with red and green roses, sunflowers, butterflies, sunflowers, a green ribbon, and a hummingbird at the top of the float — each of which has its own form of symbolism: