Video: Medical Staffers Raise Money for Winston Co. Patients

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — As Louisville continues to recover from last month’s deadly tornado, some very dedicated doctors put on their running shoes early Saturday morning to raise money for Winston County kidney patients.

Just before sunrise, Dr. Christopher LeBrun and his colleagues set off on a 30-mile trek to raise money in support of Winston County’s kidney patients.

“Dr. LeBrun had this idea and then once the tornado come through Louisville, we just decided hey, it’s time. We need to do something,” says Kristie Robertson, a Nurse Practitioner .

Since the April 28th tornado destroyed the medical care facility in Louisville, more than 60 dialysis patients have had to travel up to 30 miles or more, three times a week to receive treatment. Now medical staff are stepping up to offer a helping hand.

“When the tornado hit Winston County, the dialysis unit decided that this would be a way to make some money and get people aware of what happened down there. Try to help some of our patients who are having a hardship in getting to different dialysis units, since that dialysis unit is no longer available,” says Dr. Christopher LeBrun, Director with Fresenius Medical Care in Columbus.

Participants could run or walk the 30 miles to Macon in five-mile segments along the path which included Highway 45 South.

“I’ve committed to do at least half but it’s a walk/run, it’s not a race, so I’m saying hey, you know, I’ll try. I’m going to do what I can,” says Robertson.

The group set out to raise $5,000. They’ve already brought in nearly $7,000 and hope to raise more money until the medical facility is repaired. The funds raised will also benefit the Mississippi Kidney Foundation.