The Walk that Cures, The Faske Family Walk for PKD, Polycystic Kidney Disease

Thousands of steps were taken in the Faske Family Walk to find a Cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) at TY Park this Sunday, each step bringing us closer to making genetic kidney disease an affliction of the past.

At the same time as we walk to support medical research, shaded by live oaks and old moss, surrounded by hundreds of healthy, striding people, we are aware that no medical advancement eliminates death. In fact, each step we take brings us closer to our own inevitable deaths. And death is what brought us here—this began as a memorial walk, a walk to honor a human who galvanized us into doing more than just lamenting death, more than bemoaning that parents bless some with life and curse others with death at the moment of conception.

The unavoidable nature of death affects all of us who are drawn to TY Park. Some of us have become more active, more inclined to participate and contribute money. Others watch but do not join, too overwhelmed with sadness to appreciate the trees, the lake, and the hot, lush incubator of southern Florida. They are damp with bitterness, sure that those alive do not love them as much as those who passed away have loved them. Sure that there could have been a miracle to prevent death if only we had chosen to use it.

Thousands of dollars are raised, but for those engulfed in sadness, the marvel of a community inspired to work together is lost. The miracle of the organization of a sound system, public officials, cash boxes, goodie bags, bottled water, fresh apples, gifts, garbage cans, fire tucks, boy scouts and police support goes unnoticed. Those engulfed in sadness are not inspired by the long tan legs, white shorts, smiling dogs, and scrubbed kids. But those of us who are not sad do notice; we appreciate; we see the marvel of it all. We see that the love that laces the park as clearly as moss laces the trees will embrace all those who join on this walk. This love heals wounds and open sores. It is more important than genes, more important than research. It surpasses the goal of saving lives because it is what makes life worth living. And that is the true beauty of a walk through a park in the South on a Sunday.