The National Kidney Foundation will host a walk advocating an increased awareness of kidney health and organ donation Oct. 12.

Stephanie Kass, development director at the National Kidney Foundation, said she urges students to get involved with the walk.

“We encourage schools and kids to form teams and there are several students volunteering at the walk,” Kass said.

Freshman Elise Moore said she would like to participate in an event against disease in the future.

“I think it’s important to raise awareness and support a good cause that’s using their money well,” Moore said.

Freshman Joshua Hodge said he also supports the idea of the kidney walk.

“It checks people who don’t know or don’t have a way of finding out (to see) if they have kidney disease,” Hodge said.

The walk monetarily supports patients struggling with kidney disease, and provides free health screenings for those at risk of the disease.

According to Kass, the main goal of this event is to raise awareness and funds for those at risk for kidney disease.

“Our goal is to bring awareness to kidney disease, not only in Minnesota, but across the United States,” she said. “Our Twin Cities walk is the largest one in the region, and it works towards raising funds for kidney patients as well as to making a difference in legislation.”

Kass said that the kidney walk will also host a variety of fun activities.

“We will be hosting Minnesota’s largest cupid shuffle, where some of Minnesota’s mascots will get up on stage and teach the walkers how to do the  cupid shuffle,” Kass said.

The walk will be hosted on Saturday Oct. 12, in Thomson Reuters, Eagan campus on 610 Opperman drive at 10:00 am. More information and sign-up can be found at donate.kidney.org.