Walk-a-thon to help transplant recipient

SALT LAKE CITY — A walk-a-thon will be held June 16 on to help raise money for 52-year-old Uina Vakapuna of North Salt Lake, who received a lifesaving kidney transplant 17 months ago.

The mother of eight is grateful to be alive, but the cost of the transplant and follow-up care are substantial. To help alleviate the financial burden, the Vakapunas turned to the National Foundation for Transplants for assistance. NFT is a nonprofit organization that helps patients raise funds to pay for transplant-related expenses. 

Volunteers are planning a 5K walk-a-thon Saturday, June 16, at 8 a.m. at Jordan Park, 1060 S. 900 West, in the east pavilion. Entry fees are $25 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under.  

Make checks payable to NFT UT Transplant Fund and mail to Liz Hafoka at 574 Montgomery St., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84104. Include the participant’s name, phone and shirt size with the check. To pay by credit card, visit www.transplants.org and select “Find an NFT Patient” to locate Vakapuna. Indicate the payment is for the 5K and include participant's shirt size. 

For questions or more information, contact Liz Hafoka at 801-150-7706.