Members of the Southern Tier Kidney Association recently gathered in the dialysis department at WCA Hospital to see the fruits of their work.

The success of the 2011 Kidney Challenge Walk and other fundraising efforts allowed the association to donate $17,595 to WCA Hospital to purchase 10 heated recliners, including three oversized recliners, to provide greater comfort to patients undergoing dialysis.

"This is a wonderful gift," said Maryann Wilcox, dialysis nurse manager at WCA Hospital. "These first-class heated recliners are so vital to our patients' comfort and well-being during their treatments. On behalf of our staff, our patients, and their families, I can't thank the dedicated volunteers of the Southern Tier Kidney Association enough for their incredible commitment to enhancing the dialysis experience."

The Southern Tier Kidney Association is holding its third annual Kidney Challenge Walk on Sunday, June 10, at the Dr. Lillian Vitanza Ney Renaissance Center in Jamestown. Registration begins at noon with the first steps being taken at 1 p.m. along Third Street to Logan Park.

All proceeds will go toward the purchase of a solution warmer and vital signs monitors for the benefit of kidney patients served by the WCA Hospital Dialysis department.

The event will feature live music, a post-walk cookout, and basket auction. At 12:45 p.m., tribute butterflies will be released in memory of or in honor of those who have been impacted by chronic kidney disease.

Individuals can register to walk online, join a team, or sponsor a walker by visiting SouthernTierKidneyAssoc.org. For more information, call 664-8316 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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