A’s and Kurt Suzuki Host Kidney Disease Awareness Day June 15

Oakland Athletics’ catcher Kurt Suzuki and his wife Renee, along with the Oakland A’s, will host Kidney Disease Awareness Day Friday, June 15 when the A’s play the San Diego Padres at 7:05 p.m. at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Funds raised will benefit the “Kurt Suzuki Family Foundation,” which supports the scientific research of chronic illnesses—specifically kidney disease research—and encourages and promotes healthy lifestyle choices.

During this past off-season, the Suzukis established the Kurt Suzuki Family Foundation in an effort to raise funds and awareness for kidney disease, a condition that hits close to home. Kurt’s father, Warren, is a four-year kidney cancer survivor and Renee’s sister, Patricia, has focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a genetic abnormality that affects glomerulus of the kidneys.

“Renee and I wanted to set up a foundation to fight kidney disease, which has affected two family members who are very dear to us,” explained Kurt. “We hope that through this first-year event, we are able to educate people on the various forms of kidney disease and raise money for research and education. We are also using this fundraiser to treat local children who suffer from kidney problems to a special experience at the Coliseum.”

The A’s have set up a special fundraising ticket offer which will donate $5 from each Field Level ticket ($26) purchased online at www.oaklandathletics.com/suzuki to the Kurt Suzuki Family Foundation. During the game behind Section 121, Renee and other players’ wives and girlfriends will sell “mystery” A’s autographed baseballs, host a silent auction of autographed memorabilia, and sell limited edition Suzuki “808” Maui Thing t-shirts ($25) to benefit the foundation.

Prior to the game, local children who suffer from Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS will stand with A’s players at their positions during the national anthem and will receive an autographed baseball, with one child throwing out the ceremonial first pitch of the game. Afterward, the children and their families will enjoy the game from the Field Level courtesy of the Suzukis.

Following the game, all fans are invited onto the field for the A’s post-game fireworks show presented by the Oakland Tribune and Contra Costa Times.

For more information, please visit www.oaklandathletics.com/suzuki or www.kurtsuzukifamilyfoundation.org.