Over 26 million Americans -- that's 1 in 9 adults -- have chronic kidney disease, and most are not aware of it. Because symptoms may not appear until the kidneys are actually failing, millions of people with kidney damage remain unaware and are not taking steps to protect the health of their kidneys.

Join The Regional Medical Center, presenting sponsor of the 2011 Kidney Walk, to take lifesaving steps to help raise awareness and money in the fight against kidney disease by participating in the annual Kidney Walk in Orangeburg. Orangeburg's walk is scheduled for Thursday, October 20, at the Centennial Park (concrete area with fountain and gazebo) at Edisto Memorial Gardens. Registration begins at 5 p.m., and the walk will follow from 6 to 7 p.m.

For more information on the Orangeburg Kidney Walk on October 20, 2011, click here.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, below are some quick facts about kidney disease:

• 26 million Americans have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and millions more are at risk.
• Kidney disease is common, harmful and treatable.
• Each year, 112,000 people are diagnosed with kidney failure. That's one person every five minutes.
• More than 547,000 people in the U.S. are receiving treatment for kidney failure. Patients with failed kidneys need dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive.
• 382,000 currently depend on dialysis to stay alive.
• 88,000 are on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.
• African Americans, Latinos, Asians, Native Americans and the elderly are at increased risk for kidney disease.
• The leading risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes and family history.
• Early detection and proper treatment can slow the progress of kidney disease.