Tribe gives $150K to kidney foundation

[okarol]

Tribe gives $150K to kidney foundation

Staff reports • published October 3, 2008 12:15 am

Cherokee – The National Kidney Foundation of North Carolina has received its largest gift ever, a $150,000 sponsorship from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel to support the Kidneyville Cruiser.

The cruiser is a 48-foot mobile education and screening unit that will travel the state educating North Carolinians about chronic kidney disease.

It will illustrate the link between the disease and its leading contributors, such as diabetes and hypertension.

The unit will also include a display highlighting American Indian cures and philosophies for wellness of body and soul.

In acknowledgement of the gift from Harrah’s Cherokee Casion, the Kidneyville Cruiser will make its inaugural Western North Carolina debut in the Cherokee Indian Fair Parade on Oct. 7. Following the parade, the unit will be open for public tours at the fairgrounds entrance through Oct. 11.

More than 15 percent of the Cherokee population has been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

"We have helped this cause because it is very near and dear to our hearts,” said Principal Chief Michell Hicks. “Slowing the progression of CKD among American Indians is especially important to our tribe. We recognize the importance of early detection and look forward to our partnership with the NKFNC.”

Joyce Dugan, the casino’s Director of External Relations, said she is thankful that the tribe has the ability to make such a contribution.

“It will not only benefit our tribe, but has the potential of reaching every citizen of this state,” she said. “The Kidneyville Cruiser will travel across the state, carrying the tribe’s message of prevention through exercise and diet.”

For more information on the Kidneyville Cruiser and its appearance at the 96th annual Cherokee Indian Fair visit www.kidneync.org.

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