Walk for Kidneys 2019

A kidney recipient poses during the Walk for Kidneys 2019 event at Solider Field - Event Photography by Michael Courier
A kidney recipient poses during the Walk for Kidneys 2019 fundraising event at Soldier Field.

The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) contracted me to photograph a variety of events throughout 2019, with one of the first events being the Walk for Kidneys fundraiser at Soldier Field.

If you’re unfamiliar with the National Kidney Foundation, or its Illinois chapter, the organizations help all people affected by kidney disease — through community education, government advocacy, public health initiatives, and funding scientific research.

Kidney disease can be a life-threatening condition that often requires intensive management. If the kidney fails, a transplant is required. Due to the seriousness of the disease, patients are often immunosuppressed — meaning their immune system is weakened. A weakened immune system is not able to fight off and recover from infections as it normally would when healthy.

With this in mind, NKFI has canceled or postponed many of their spring events. Where possible, they have moved their community events online. Though Covid-19 poses a serious threat to any individual, it is especially dangerous to an individual who has a compromised immune system.

If you, or someone you know, is currently battling kidney disease, the National Kidney Foundation has compiled a Covid-19 resource guide to help you better manage this situation.

Waving to the camera during a fundraising walk in Chicago - Event Photography by Michael Courier.
Children pose during the Walk for Kidneys event at Solider Field in Chicago, Illinois - Event Photography by Michael Courier.
A group poses for a photo during a fundraising event in Chicago - Event Photography by Michael Courier.
Posing for a photo during a fundraising event in Chicago - Event Photography by Michael Courier.
Walk for Kidneys Event Photography by Michael Courier
Walk for Kidneys Event Photography by Michael Courier
Walk for Kidneys Event Photography by Michael Courier
Walk for Kidneys Event Photography by Michael Courier
Walk for Kidneys Event Photography by Michael Courier
Walk for Kidneys Event Photography by Michael Courier