In an effort to raise money for The Kidney TRUST™ -- a non-profit organization aimed at prevention and awareness of chronic kidney disease (CKD) -- DaVita Inc., the nation's largest independent provider of kidney care, announced today that the 2nd annual Tour DaVita™ generated more than $420,000.

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This year's Tour DaVita, a four day bike ride aimed at raising funds for kidney disease awareness, took place in the State of Wisconsin with 217 DaVita® teammates (employees) participating in the event. The riders went approximately 240 miles throughout the tour and altogether rode more than 43,000 to help raise awareness of CKD -- a silent epidemic that affects 26 million adult Americans. By increasing awareness among the CKD population, DaVita hopes to delay or prevent the progression to kidney failure.

"Our 32,000 teammates are dedicated to helping patients with chronic kidney disease in their centers and in raising funds for CKD awareness and education programs," explained Kent Thiry, DaVita Chairman and CEO. Thiry and his wife, Denise O'Leary, personally contributed $1 for every mile ridden by a DaVita teammate, totaling more than $43,000. "I was so privileged to ride alongside my fellow teammates and help promote this important awareness event."

Of the 26 million Americans with CKD, only one in ten is aware they have the disease because early-stages of the illness rarely manifest symptoms. This lack of awareness is a major reason for undertaking the Tour DaVita ride and provides participants with the motivation and desire to educate and inform the general public. Riders want people to know the importance of getting tested early, rather than waiting until it is too late to treat without requiring dialysis care or a kidney transplant.

"The spirit of the riders was amazing -- coming from all parts of the country to ride together and make a personal contribution to the fight against kidney disease. These dedicated DaVita teammates spent countless hours training for the ride, while raising thousands of dollars for the fight against kidney disease," said Barbara L. Lawson, President of The Kidney TRUST. "All of us at The Kidney TRUST are so pleased and proud to be the beneficiary of their efforts, which will support the expansion of the TRUST's CKD rapid-screening program currently rolling out around the U.S."

Early testing and detection gives those with CKD an opportunity to take control of their disease and avoid the onset of life threatening kidney failure, which would require dialysis or a kidney transplant because there is no cure for CKD. In addition, those at high risk for CKD can help protect their kidneys by controlling high blood pressure, maintaining their blood sugar, drinking lots of water, and consuming a healthy diet. For more information about the Tour DaVita, please visit http://www.tourdavita.org/.

DaVita and Tour DaVita are trademarks or registered trademarks of DaVita Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

About The Kidney TRUST

The Kidney TRUST was founded in 2006 by DaVita Inc. The Kidney TRUST is an independent, non-profit organization that believes everyone should be empowered to take a proactive role in their health. The Kidney TRUST seeks to reduce the advancement of chronic kidney disease (CKD) by broadly deploying cost-effective rapid-screening for CKD in non-medical settings, and providing financial assistance to people affected by CKD. For more information visit http://www.kidneytrust.org/.

About DaVita Inc.

DaVita Inc., a FORTUNE 500® company, is a leading provider of kidney care in the United States, providing dialysis services and education for patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVita manages more than 1,400 outpatient facilities and acute units in more than 700 hospitals located in 43 states and the District of Columbia, serving approximately 110,000 patients. As part of DaVita's commitment to building a healthy, caring community, DaVita develops, participates in and donates to numerous programs dedicated to transforming communities and creating positive, sustainable change for children, families and our environment. For more information about DaVita, its kidney education materials, and its community programs, please visit http://www.davita.com/.

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SOURCE: DaVita Inc.