Pacific Palisades resident Monica Karo has been named Chair of the National Kidney Foundation’s Los Angeles Kidney Walk being held Sunday, Nov. 2, at Griffith Park in Los Angeles.
Karo is the chief executive of OMD in North America – OMD is the most awarded media communications agency in the world.
“Monica understands the power of messaging and building awareness, it’s what OMD has mastered under her leadership,” said Pier Merone, Division President for the National Kidney Foundation of Southern California. “We’re privileged to have Monica support the vital mission of raising awareness of kidney disease in the community.”
In California alone, more than 55,000 people receive dialysis treatment for kidney failure and 18,000 are on the waiting list for a life-saving kidney transplant. It is estimated that 1 in 9 Californians have kidney disease, and most don’t know it because symptoms usually appear late in the disease’s progression.
“I am honored to lead this inspirational event because kidney disease affects so many here in Southern California,” said Karo. “This is such an important public health issue in our country, and I am happy to lend my support to the cause.”
Karo and OMD employees will participate in the Los Angeles Kidney Walk on November 2nd. The Kidney Walk is a non-competitive event that raises funds to fight kidney disease through awareness, prevention and treatment programs. Walkers participate as individuals or form teams with family, friends or colleagues. Kidney walks are held in cities across the country throughout the year. To join an event or support a walker, visit www.kidneywalk.org.
“Whether you are a friend, family member, co-worker or someone personally affected by kidney disease, one person’s action can have an impact,” said Karo. “Take your own bold steps and join us as we work together to fight kidney disease.”
