The University Student Dietetics Association is hosting the first annual Roberta J. Ivy Kidney Walk on Saturday, March 5 to honor its namesake, who died as a result of kidney disease.
The walk will begin at 9 a.m. at Oxford Middle School on Bramlett Boulevard and continue onto North Lamar before eventually leading back to the school. All of the proceeds from the walk will go directly toward funding for the Oxford Dialysis Unit.
Robert Ivy, a former University custodian, said he feels passionate about raising awareness for the disease in Oxford. Ivy said before the Oxford facility was available, his mother Roberta Ivy, who was on dialysis for 35 years, would have to travel approximately 150 miles to Jackson for treatment.
Roberta was not the only one in the family to be affected by the disease. Robert Ivy and his sister also have been diagnosed with kidney disease and received kidney transplants.
“I’m doing it in her memory, but I also want to promote awareness about kidney disease,” Ivy said.
The association faculty advisor Emmy Parkes said she was pleased Ivy reached out to the organization for help.
“Mr. Ivy is very special to us and we wanted to help him in whatever way we could,” Parkes said.
Parkes said, while it is important that older people are being screened for the disease, it is also essential for students to know if kidney disease runs in their family. She said students have the ability to be an advocate for their older relatives by choosing to receive a health screening.
Sarah Burns, junior dietetics major and SDA member, helped Ivy by advertising the event at the University. Burns said she plans on helping with the event on Saturday in whatever way she can.
“I think it’s a great cause that will bring attention to this disease,” Burns said.
Burns said kidney disease is a silent killer that can affect a lot of people. As a student studying dietetics, she said she is thankful for the opportunity to connect with people who have been affected by disease through this event.
“This whole experience makes me passionate about dietetics,” she said.
In addition to the Roberta J. Ivy Memorial Walk, SDA also is involved with the RebelWell program, which promotes healthy living for students throughout the University.
Ivy said when he found out he had kidney disease, he immediately wanted to help others by encouraging them to get tested. He believes the walk honoring his mother will increase knowledge and awareness of the disease.
“I’m happy that I get to give money to the Oxford Dialysis Unit and promote awareness about kidney disease at the same time,” Ivy said.
– Annabelle Knef
