William B. May senior managing director participates in Kidney Walk.

Walking a few steps may not mean much to one person, but it could be a wish come true for a transplant recipient.

Jeffrey Hatcher, senior managing director at William B. May Commercial Real Estate, had a crucial kidney transplant operation in December 2003.

To show how grateful he is to have survived, he recently took part in the National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Walk on Sunday, October 6 in Riverside Park.

"It's important to create awareness, from prevention and education to the surgery and survival," said Hatcher, now a committee member of the NKF of Greater New York.

"I think we are all very lucky to be living in a country that at least has treatments available, as well as continued research, for those with kidney disease."

President of William B. May Commercial, George Donohue, can also relate.

"The advances made in kidney disease helped my father have a successful kidney transplant at 65 and is the reason why he is alive today. We should do what we can to help prevent this disease and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation."

The National Kidney Foundation works to teach people that one in nine adults have chronic kidney disease and do not even realize of it. The kidneys, which handle major bodily processes like removing waste products, drugs and toxins, releasing hormones and balancing bodily fluids, are subject to diabetes and high blood pressure.

African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian and Pacific Islanders and American Indians are at high risk, as well as those who suffer from hypertension.

It is important to get regular check ups to prevent anemia and further kidney damage.

After his surgery, Hatcher has completely changed his lifestyle inside and out, choosing a more healthier mode of living.

"I feel more driven and I have a sense of purpose. I like having a healthy attitude that includes diet and continued exercise. The business community, like any other, can benefit from the information available because we all know someone affected by the disease and I encourage others to get involved."