May 4, 2017 By Harry Funk 3 min read

Think about this the next time you reach for the salt shaker.

“Chronic kidney disease affects 26 million people in the United States,” Rachael Masterson said. “And astonishingly, over 90 percent of the people don’t know that have it.”

As community outreach coordinator for the National Kidney Foundation Serving the Alleghenies, Masterson has such statistics at the ready while advising how certain behaviors, like taking in too much sodium, can be detrimental to some of the body’s vital organs.

“We always say it’s not the sexiest, but it’s one of the most important,” she said. “They remove waste from your body. They remove drugs from your body and balance your fluids. They do a whole, whole lot for you.”

To help support the National Kidney Foundation’s mission of increased awareness, prevention and treatment for millions of Americans, the Pittsburgh-based branch is holding one of its major fundraisers on May 15 in Peters Township. Valley Brook Country Club will host the region’s annual NKF Golf Classic, with the goal of bringing in $130,000.

“The top three finishing teams in both the gross and handicap divisions get invitations to go to Pebble Beach. They get to compete for a national title at that really beautiful venue,” Masterson said about the NKF Konica Minolta Golf Classic, scheduled for Jan. 18-21 at the legendary California course.

The winning team in the handicap index division this year actually is from the Pittsburgh area. Tom Ali, chief executive officer of Triad Engineering Inc., joined with Michael Sobota, Mark Turley and Joseph Winklmann for the top foursome.

Another fundraiser is scheduled for Nov. 5: the National Kidney Walk, which regionally will take place at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. The event raises awareness and provides money for programs that educate and support patients, their families and those at risk.

“Some people who are at higher risk of chronic kidney disease are those who have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history, age 60 or older and minority populations,” Masterson said. “African-Americans develop kidney failure at a rate of four to one compared with white or Caucasians, and Hispanics have a rate of two to one. It disproportionately affects those communities.”

A major resource is NKF Cares, a help line offering support for people who are affected by kidney disease, organ donation or transplantation.

“You speak to trained professionals who are able to answer any questions you have,” Masterson explained. “If you recently were told that you need to go on dialysis and transplantation may be an option for you in the future, it’s a horrifying thing to hear. It’s very scary. So the people at NKF Cares are there to help you and walk you through the process.”

For more information, visit www.kidney.org/offices/nkf-serving-alleghenies and www.kidney.org/nkfcares.