For those watching 15-year old Alex and 12-year-old Mikey Hornborg race their karts around a track at speeds in excess of 75 miles per hour, the danger of kidney disease isn’t the first thing on their minds. Alex and Mikey are passionate about racing and determined to make their mark in the annual Formula Kart Productions Florida Winter Tour which kicked off in January at the Palm Beach International Raceway. In the process, they emulate one of their racing heroes, by supporting a worthwhile charitable cause — in this case The Kidney TRUST.

“It’s kind of scary as a mom to seeing them racing as hard as they do,” said Lisa Hornborg. “But when I see the way their eyes light up at the thought of racing, I’m not about to get in their way.”

Alex and Mikey are racing against drivers in their age groups from 40 countries around the world in this highly competitive sport. Alex says that his goal is to become a Formula One race driver and Mikey, following in his brother’s footsteps, is focused on developing the driving skills needed to become a champion.

However, the boys’ focus goes beyond the racetrack. Challenged by their parents, Lisa and Mike, to dedicate their racing to a cause, Alex and Mikey decided to raise money for The TRUST. MORE >>

The Kidney TRUST’s community-based free CKD screening program is continuing to grow and extend its reach by participating in community and employer health fairs all across the country. For the first time, The TRUST will offer screening in Alaska in 2012, coming to the Spring Fling for Women in Anchorage on April 14 and 15. The TRUST has so far scheduled screenings this year in 10 states and the District of Columbia with many more locations to be added as the year goes on. Upcoming screenings are listed on The TRUST website.

We hope to be coming soon to a city near you. States included in this year’s schedule so far include Alaska, Arizona, California, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington. Please contact CKD Screening Program Manager Gloria Upchurch at if you would be interested in having The TRUST offer screening as part of your company’s or organization’s health outreach efforts. MORE >>

The Kidney TRUST, in partnership with our friends at DaVita, is proud to be the beneficiary of a new cell phone recycling program. Through an arrangement with Cellular Recycler, cell phone collection boxes have been placed at DaVita clinics and offices around the country. DaVita teammates, friends, family members and patients are being urged to drop off their old and broken cell phones.

Every phone is worth money — some more than others due to make and model. Every month, the total amount of phones sent in and the respective value of each phone is calculated and a check is sent directly to The TRUST to support our programs.

“We’re thrilled to have our friends at DaVita find yet another way to help us raise awareness about CKD,” said Annette Eros, President and CEO of The Kidney TRUST. “Every dollar raised allows The TRUST to expand the reach of our CKD screening program and potentially save the lives of those who didn’t know they were at risk. MORE >>

The TRUST is pleased to report that DaVita teammates, family members, patients and friends have already made recycling a fundraising success. Empty toner and inkjet cartridges can be recycled through the IKON toner recycling program which has been underway at DaVita clinics and offices for over a year. Participation in this program is easy and free. For every cartridge that is recycled, IKON donates $2 to The TRUST.

If you and your company are interested in starting a toner recycling program of your own with the TRUST as a beneficiary, please contact us at . MORE >>