Local Kidney 5K Walk/Run Scheduled For Aug. 19 In Winona
Posted
Michael Anderson-manderson@timesuniononline.com
WINONA LAKE – The organizer of a local kidney walk said the event came from turning frustration into passion. William?Southall is organizing the 5K walk/run to raise money for the American Kidney Fund. Southall, who graduated from?Warsaw Community High School, was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2011. The dialysis patient’s license was suspended after the insurance on his car lapsed. He said being out of work because of his illness made the fines hard to pay, and he wrote many letters to the judge to get special driving privileges. The lack of a license put him in a rough spot when he was getting treatment in Goshen, he said. After a long fight, he finally got his license restored. However, he said his frustration with the court system led him to want to do something positive for the community. “I didn’t want to dwell on the negative. I wanted to do something positive,” Southall said. The kidney walk will be Aug. 19 in Winona Lake Park, with registration beginning May 22. This year’s theme will be “Going Green in 2017.” ? Southall said he picked Winona Lake because of the town’s beauty. “The town council has been very supportive and cooperative,” he said. In addition to the walk, the event will include a costume contest and a scavenger hunt, and a chef will talk about healthy eating choices. Many local business are lined up to donate prizes. Registration for the event is $5, or $12 with a T-shirt included. To sign up, email him at southwood12j@hotmail.com. All proceeds will go to the American Kidney Fund, an organization that helps people with kidney failure. This is the third year Southall, 33, has organized the event. Last year, he said, almost 200 people participated.
