The Louisville Lightning professional arena soccer team is partnering with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) to help spread awareness of organ donation during the month of February. As part of this relationship, the NKF is promoting its END THE WAIT! initiative at Lightning games on January 22, February 5, and February 19.
END THE WAIT! is a virtual call-to-arms designed to increase organ donation and improve outcomes of first transplants. With the current organ transplant waiting list at over 105,000, 83,000 of those are waiting for a kidney. This initiative comes at a very critical time for many people living in the United States.
Members of Team Kentucky (the NKF’s athletic team comprised of organ recipients, living donors, and organ donors’ families) made a special appearance at the Lightning’s Friday night game against the Ohio Vortex. Members were recognized at half time and had their pictures taken on the field with members of the Louisville Lightning Ladies Dance Team. These athletes compete in a number of athletic events including golf, basketball, volleyball, racquetball, and swimming during the U.S. Transplant Games. The games take place from July 30th to Aug 4th and the team will face up against other teams from states across the United States. The biennial event has been growing larger and larger since its start in 1982, with nearly 1300 athletes expected this summer.
While out supporting the Lightning be sure to stop by the National Kidney Foundation booth at the game on Friday, February 19th where they will be signing people up for donations. With 83,000 people on the organ waiting list for kidneys, the need for donors is greater than ever. So, join the National Kidney Foundation and the Louisville Lightning on Friday the 19th to help with their END THE WAIT! initiative and sign up to be a donor.
Team Kentucky
