Running for a Cause
PORTLAND, Ore. — The morning drizzle couldn’t dampen spirits at Sellwood Riverfront Park on Sunday, where nearly 400 participants ran, walked, or rolled to raise awareness and funds for children living with chronic kidney disease.
The annual “Strut Your Kidney” fun run featured 5k, 10k, and 1-mile courses, drawing families, friends, and supporters from across the region. Proceeds from the event benefit Northwest Kidney Kids, a Portland-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and teens affected by kidney disease in the Pacific Northwest.
A Family’s Journey
For board member Lauren Lynn, the day was particularly meaningful. Her daughter was diagnosed with kidney disease as a toddler after contracting E. Coli Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a rare but severe complication. She later received a life-saving transplant.
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This year, the Lynn family celebrated her daughter’s “ten-year kidney anniversary” at the fun run.
“Northwest Kidney Kids has kind of been our light,” Lynn said. “Our hope made us realize that this chronic disease doesn’t have to rule our lives—it’s just part of the journey. It can be very challenging, a complete rollercoaster. But knowing that we’re not alone has been so comforting for our whole family.”
Building Hope Through Community
Northwest Kidney Kids provides children and families with not only medical support but also emotional and social connection. One of its cornerstone programs is “kidney camp,” where children living with kidney disease meet others who share similar experiences.
Lynn recalled how impactful those camps were for her daughter. “When we first went to camp when my daughter was three and we saw teenagers that also had kidney disease—cheerleading, getting out there—it just hit me. I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, we can do this. My child can also thrive.’”
These moments of connection, Lynn said, help children and parents see possibility beyond illness.
How the Funds Help
Money raised from Sunday’s fun run will be used to sustain a wide range of programs, including:
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Kidney camps that allow children to build friendships and confidence
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Peer mentorship opportunities pairing teens and young adults with younger patients
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Clinical support and education for families navigating treatment options
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Scholarships and resources to ensure that financial barriers don’t limit opportunities
Organizers emphasized that the programs reach families not only in Oregon but also across Southwest Washington, expanding the impact of community support.
Strength in Numbers
Sunday’s event was more than a fundraiser—it was a celebration of resilience. Participants of all ages crossed the finish lines, some in running shoes, others in wheelchairs or strollers, all united by the cause.
Volunteers cheered along the sidelines, vendors provided post-race refreshments, and families gathered under tents to share stories. The sense of togetherness was palpable, with many noting that awareness is just as valuable as the money raised.
Looking Ahead
For families like the Lynns, events such as “Strut Your Kidney” represent more than charity—they are lifelines of hope. They remind families dealing with chronic disease that support networks exist, and that thriving, not just surviving, is possible.
As Northwest Kidney Kids continues its mission, Sunday’s run stands as proof of what a community can accomplish when it comes together for a common purpose.
“Seeing so many people show up in the rain for this cause is incredible,” Lynn said. “It means these kids know they are not alone. And that makes all the difference.”
