Hello, 
 
I am beyond excited to run in the 2024 NYC marathon with the National Kidney Foundation Team. 
 
Why I Run
I run in honor of my beautiful mom Tina Barajas. 
 
Mom suffered from chronic kidney disease and after years of peritoneal and hemodialysis she passed away on November 3, 2018. She was smart, strong, compassionate, bold, and as my cousin (Tina Rojas) describes her – FIERCE!
 
 
The National Kidney Foundation provided support for my mom offering resources and a peer mentor which we appreciated. I decided to become a volunteer. I contacted my local NKF AZ chapter in December of 2018 and I was blessed to connect with Jen Godbehere (special event coordinator). She took me and my husband (Roger) under her wing and we have volunteered annually with the NKF AZ Kidney Walk- planning committee and the Camp Kidney programming team. Roger and I are also involved in the NKF-KAC (Kidney Advocacy Committee) and travel to Washington D.C. each year to meet with congressional leaders to inform and build support on kidney disease priorities. This is why running the NYC marathon on November 3rd with the National Kidney Foundation is a perfect fit.
 
I run to raise awareness and funds that support the National Kidney Foundation, who was the first to identify kidney disease as a distinct, treatable illness. They developed the staged system of kidney disease diagnosis and treatment – a worldwide standard today – and release and update treatment guidelines to improve patient care.
 
Right now, 37 million American adults are living with kidney disease, and I’m not okay with that. I run because 1 in 3 people are at risk for kidney disease. I run because more than 1 in 7 people have it but aren’t aware.
 
Join me in making these advances possible by donating to my efforts!
 
Thank you for your support!
 
Love Roxy-