D.C. United has announced special programming for the National Kidney Foundation Serving the National Capital Area (NKF/NCA) as part of the club’s home match on Aug. 17 versus the Colorado Rapids, presented by MetroPCS. Tickets are available at dcunited.com/nkf, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the National Kidney Foundation.
Former D.C. United players will be on hand to sign autographs and raise awareness about kidney disease and organ donation, including legendary forward Jaime Moreno and midfielder Clyde Simms, who retired earlier this year due to kidney disease and remains in waiting for a kidney transplant. One of the most consistent players in Major League Soccer during his career, Simms inspired the hashtag #OurFriendClyde. More information is available at dcunited.com/ourfriendclyde.
Councilmember Muriel Bowser will also be in attendance and will take part in pregame activities.
Fans can visit tables inside and outside the stadium to get information and green “Donate Life” bracelets. D.C. United players and coaches will wear the bracelets to promote awareness for kidney disease, and Giovanni Ruiz, a young kidney patient from Fairfax, Virginia, will serve as junior captain and escort D.C. United players onto the field before the match.
“We are delighted to work with D.C. United to support the National Kidney Foundation on August 17, and we are very grateful to Clyde Simms and other current and former players who will be signing autographs at the game,” said Michele Anthony, National Kidney Foundation Vice President of Programs & Communications. “As a kidney patient in need of a transplant, Simms understands the importance of raising awareness about kidney disease and organ donation, particularly in our region where the need is so great. In the Washington, DC area, there are approximately 700,000 people affected by kidney disease, more than 7,000 on dialysis, and 1,700 waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant.”
“We are pleased to support the National Kidney Foundation in the cause of awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease,” said Victor Melara, D.C. United Director of Community Relations. “It is a fight that is near and dear to so many people, particularly those at D.C. United.”
The National Kidney Foundation is the leading organization in the U.S. dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease for hundreds of thousands of healthcare professionals, millions of patients and their families and tens of millions of Americans at risk. For more information, visit www.kidney.org.
