Menarini Asia Pacific “jumps” in 2021 alongside the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), running for a good cause: to inspire and support people suffering from kidney failure.

The number of new cases has increased about 60% over the past 10 years with diabetes being the number-one-cause of kidney failure. However, more than half who have diabetes are unaware of their condition.

In order to spread awareness and to advocate kidney health as a nation, the NKF organized Run Inspired! 2021, an inaugural three-week virtual charity running event which took place from the 11th to the 31st of January 2021. This is the first “virtual” charity run by NKF of Singapore, where participants can run at their own pace and space having four race categories to choose from: 5 km, 10 km, 21 km and 55 km. The race distance is cumulative over 21 days.

The Regional and Singapore Offices collaborated to form a “RunInspired Committee” with the aim of raising awareness of the run and motivate their colleagues, family and friends to participate.

Complying with its Corporate Social Responsibility, Menarini Asia Pacific even surpassed the goal achieving an increase in the collective distance up to 69,596.42 km, of which 1,415.12 km covered by the Menarini Team. Suffice it to say that, this amount can provide about 23 artificial kidneys, which are crucial in the dialysis treatment of kidney failure patients.

A great enthusiasm and commitment also came from some of the patients who became “Run Ambassador” themselves, turning their everyday hobby into a tangible cause. This is the case of Nur Rauuf, whose dream is to become the first patient with kidney failure in Singapore to participate in Ironman Triathlon. Nur, along with many other patients who have become run ambassadors, shared their motivational stories throughout the event to uplift the community to step out of their comfort zone to run for a meaningful cause and be empowered to take charge of their well-being.

Part of the sales proceeds from the purchase of entrance tickets and T-shirts have been donated towards providing artificial kidneys (dialysers); in addition, as main partner, Menarini Asia-Pacific, has donated $ 2 for every km covered by participants, up to $ 100,000, greatly increasing the impact of the participation getting 1,384 people involved.

The NKF is very pleased with the outcome of the virtual run and grateful for the support of Menarini, which helped make this event a success by motivating participants to cover longer distances and doubling the impact of their contributions.

Menarini Asia Pacific – once again – responded to its Brand Promise of Invigorating Lives by pooling resources to provide dialysis treatment more affordable for patients in need of kidney and help them lead a better life.

Thanks to this worthy cause, in taking a step in generosity for kidney failure patients fundraising campaign to garner support and donations, also many Menarini Asia Pacific employers successfully kick-started a healthy lifestyle – showing that no goal is too far fetched!