Two local residents are among those who will help the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland reach new fundraising heights this week when they rappel off a building in downtown Baltimore for the foundation's third annual Rappel for Kidney Health event.

The fundraiser will take place Saturday, June 9, at the 32-story Baltimore Marriott Waterfront.

Barbara Case, of Timonium, is a pediatric nephrology nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital, who said she put the rappelling challenge on her "to do" list last year after watching others at the event.

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"I have to admit that the thought of rappelling 32 stories terrifies me, but it's the challenge and the good cause that grabbed me," she said. "Honestly, just knowing that I am raising funds to help the children that I work with every day is so rewarding."

Also taking the challenge will be Dr. Matthew Cooper, of Cockeysville, an associate professor of surgery and director of both kidney transplantation and clinical research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine Division of Transplantation. Cooper participated in the event last year as well.

Participants must raise $1,000, and receive a fundraising web page, a rappelling time slot and undergo training on the day of the event before stepping off.

Funds raised through Rappel for Kidney Health support patient services, education and research efforts. The first two Rappel for Kidney Health events drew 135 participants and raised more than $180,000.

To support a participant, receive information about sponsorship or see videos of last year's event, go to http://www.kidneymd.org or call 410-494-8545.

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