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TV Reporter Jummy Olabanji Takes a Lifesaving Step-and You Can Too!

A year ago if you had asked me to point out where my kidneys were located, I would probably have hesitated. Fast forward a few months--some high blood pressure and the news from my doctor that I was the (un)lucky recipient of a genetic kidney condition have made me a quick study. So if you ask me today where my kidneys are, I can not only show you where to find them but also tell you how big a normal kidney is and how high my creatinine level has risen. As a reporter for ABC7/WJLA TV in Washington, DC, I cover a variety of news stories every day, but I had never heard of creatinine, a waste product in the blood that is normally removed by the kidneys, but builds up when kidney function slows down. Yes, I have become kidney smart. Being kidney smart means I know that there is no cure for kidney disease, but that there are ways to prevent progression of kidney disease at every stage. It also means that I know there are organizations that support kidney patients like the National Kidney Foundation. The work that NKF does in communities around the country is paramount. That is why I am supporting the 2012 NKF Kidney Walk and I urge you to do so as well.

All of my close friends and family will be joining my walk team in celebration of another year of happy, and kidney-healthy, life. Our team name is Teal Team Six. I picked the name after I heard about the amazing heroism shown by the US Navy's elite Seal Team Six squadron. These amazing fighters took down one of the world's most-feared terrorists. My team is going to fight for awareness of kidney disease. Teal just happens to be one of my favorite colors as well!

We are walking in honor of my Uncle DiranIdowu who suffers from kidney disease. He is currently on dialysis and is searching for a new kidney. There are thousands of people across this country just like my uncle in need of a new kidney to live a longer, healthier life. So many people die every year waiting on a kidney. But here is the good news; they only need ONE kidney to survive. If you've got two, you only need one as well. So please, share your spare and learn about giving someone the gift of life.