Press Release

Satellite Healthcare Steps Out for the Austin Diabetes Walk

Austin, TX, November 12, 2008 – Satellite Healthcare, one of the nation’s leading kidney disease care and dialysis providers, is stepping out to support the Austin diabetes walk. Satellite Dialysis, an affiliate of Satellite Healthcare, has five centers in and around Austin. At least 26 employees, friends and family of Satellite Dialysis will participate in the fundraising walk this year.

"Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure, accounting for nearly 44 percent of the cases," says Dr. John Moran, Senior Vice President of Clinical Affairs for Satellite Healthcare. "At Satellite, we understand the crucial connection between diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and are committed to raising awareness to help fight these life-threatening conditions."

With more than 1200 people expected at Fiesta Gardens in Austin for the American Diabetes Association’s “Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes” event on November 15, it is a prime opportunity to raise awareness about the link between diabetes and kidney disease.

Nearly 24 million people in the United States have diabetes, and more than 180,000 people are living with kidney failure as a result of diabetes. “Everyone who supports Step Out and walking the 5K route is raising funds for the fight against diabetes and auxiliary diseases such as cardiovascular problems, kidney failure, blindness and much more,” says Kim Hernandez, Marketing Communications Manager at Satellite Healthcare. Ms. Hernandez is also one of the team captains for the walk in Austin on Saturday.

Satellite Healthcare, known for its innovative approaches to dialysis and treatment of CKD, is the corporate sponsor of the 9th annual “Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes” in Austin.  The event takes place Saturday, November 15, from 9:00 a.m. at Fiesta Gardens in Austin.

Debbie Heinrich, RN, CDN, Regional Director of Satellite Dialysis in Austin, has been encouraging her colleagues, family and friends to walk. “As a non-profit company, Satellite Dialysis recognizes the importance of supporting our community through education and health events related to CKD in the Austin area,” she says.

Participants and spectators at the Austin diabetes walk can get their blood pressure checked at Satellite Healthcare’s booth at the health fair at Fiesta Gardens. They can get information about CKD and find out more about the link between diabetes and kidney failure.

About Satellite Healthcare
Satellite Healthcare, Inc. is celebrating 35 years as a respected leader in delivering clinical excellence through kidney disease research and treatment. With its affiliated services Satellite WellBound, Satellite Dialysis and Satellite Research, Satellite Healthcare provides early patient wellness education, superior clinical support services and a complete range of dialysis therapy choices. This comprehensive offering allows Satellite Healthcare to advance the standard of Chronic Kidney Disease care while optimizing patient wellness to achieve a higher quality of life.

About Satellite Dialysis
Satellite Dialysis, an affiliate of dialysis industry leader Satellite Healthcare, is a non-profit organization with a legacy of more than 35 years focused on stability and meeting the long-term clinical needs of patients and physicians in the field of Chronic Kidney Disease.  At its centers, Satellite Dialysis provides dedicated clinical care to patients requiring comprehensive clinical support during dialysis treatments.

The company currently operates 24 hemodialysis centers and is focused on continuing to grow its expanding network of programs. To learn more about Satellite Dialysis, please visit www.satellitehealth.com/dialysis.

Contact:
Kim Hernandez
(650) 404-3623

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