Page 40 February 2017 Christ Lutheran School Preschool - Grade 8 • www.clsphx.org LC-MS Worship Sunday 8:00am & 10:45am – Traditional* | Sunday 8:30am & 10:30am – Contemporary* Sunday School/Bible Classes – 9:40am* | Sunday 12:30pm – Spanish Sunday 6pm – Youth Led Worship! Wednesday 7:00pm – Traditional | Saturday 5:00pm – Contemporary *Nursery Care is available at all Sunday AM services 3901 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix | www.cclphoenix.org | (602) 955-4830 Love GroW Serve than 1,000 patients were awarded direct aid during the past year through these vital NKF AZ programs. Currently in his 10th year as CEO of NKF AZ, Jeffrey Neff has witnessed the evolution of Dancing with the Stars Arizona as a premiere fundraising event from its conception. Since 2007, this event has raised more than $5.3 million. “We created an event where community leaders and foundation friends could celebrate life, dance and raise funds in a unique way,” Neff said. “The greatest challenge is that our community is unaware that one-in-three people are at risk for developing Chronic Kidney Disease. We’re here to change that.” Get tested for kidney disease with the GFR test, learn more about becoming an organ donor and support the Arizona Kidney Foundation by attending its upcoming February 10 Dancing with the Stars Arizona fundraiser. While writing this article, I was informed by my PCP that I had a spot on my kidney based on an MRI done for another health condition. Consequently, I returned to get a CT scan so they could gather further information. The follow up testing showed that I have a Bosniak 2F cyst. I share this information to demonstrate the benefit of early detection. As a 49-year-old white woman in good physical condition, who does not fit the demographic for Chronic Kidney Disease, I was surprised by this health information, that was accidentally discovered. I encourage you to take charge of your health: ask to get the GFR test during your regular doctor’s visit. By Laura Cafiso Former Valley resident and humorist Erma Bombeck lived with kidney disease for nearly 50 years. One of her infamous quotes – “In general, my children refuse to eat anything that hasn’t danced on television” – exemplifies her irreverence towards being a stay-at-home mother. Bombeck, a writer famous for her column on being a housewife, discovered she had polycystic kidney disease in 1947 at the age of 20. In 1996, Bombeck passed away from complications from a kidney transplant. In between those two markers, however, she led a full and memorable life, including public advocacy for organ donation. Fortunately, since 1963, the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona (NKF AZ) has been supporting Arizonans with kidney disease. The Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit, was originally started to help those who were already sick pay for kidney dialysis. The Foundation’s mission has since evolved, as they are committed to the prevention of kidney disease through awareness, education and research as well as improving the quality of life for Arizonans with kidney disease. “Educating the public on the importance of early detection is one of our primary goals,” said Leslie Azurdia, vice president of administration for NKF AZ. While 640,000 Arizonans have kidney disease, only 10 percent of those affected know they have it. The fact remains that renal disease ranks as the ninth most common cause of death in the United States. NKF AZ recommends requesting a blood and urine test to determine how well your kidneys are working via your Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). From firefighters to senators, NKF AZ’s Dancing with the Stars Arizona event attracts all kinds of local celebrities who dance to raise money and awareness for this Valley nonprofit. Since 2007, the Foundation has hosted this unusual fundraising event. Back then, the Foundation’s former CEO Glenna Shapiro collaborated with good friends Marguerite and Jack Clifford, avid ballroom dancers and CEO Jeffrey Neff. They knew the Foundation needed an event that offered more than just a black tie sit-down resort dinner. They thought modeling their event after the televised Dancing with the Stars show would produce a fun alternative for local philanthropists to participate in and attend. Most of all, the Cliffords wanted to share their love of dancing. “People throw roses. Others hold up signs to show support for their celebrity dancer,” says Danelle Collier, special events manager of NKF AZ. “When Craig DeMarco (of Postino) danced, they threw wine corks at the end. There’s always different aspects to this event that make it fun and memorable.” Each year features a different theme. 2017’s theme, “Live, Love, Dance,” dishes up a simple but powerful mantra. To prepare for February’s event, 17 volunteer dancers are perfecting their dance moves while also appealing to their networks including friends, family and businesses to reach their fundraising goal. Proceeds from the event serve the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona’s pillars of need: awareness, education and research. The organization’s work also ensures that Arizonans already living with kidney disease are provided direct emergency patient aid, such as medication and transportation. More Local celebrities dance for National Kidney Foundation After local restaurateur Craig DeMarco’s performance at Dancing with the Stars Arizona, wine corks were showered onto the dance floor. WHEN Friday February 10 WHERE Arizona Biltmore MORE INFO AzKidney.org TICKETS crowdrise.com/dancingwiththestarsaz PHOTO COURTESY OF CRAIG DEMARCO DANCING WITH THE STARS 2017

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