Registration is set for 9 a.m. and the walk — which gives participants a choice between a one-mile and a two-mile course — will begin at 10 a.m. Event coordinators said the walk should take about an hour and a half and be completed around 11:30 a.m. Free drinks and goody bags will be provided, but will be limited.

According to Cheyan Jackson, regional walk and marketing director for West Texas, there are currently 50 participants signed up and more are expected.

To register, a $20 donation is encouraged, but not required.

"We are trying to raise money, that's what the walk is about. All the money raised will stay in the West Texas area and provide services and education to those with kidney disease," Jackson said.

The National Kidney Foundation Serving West Texas assists 79 counties and currently only has three walks in the area: Lubbock, Big Spring and Amarillo.

Walkers can participate as individuals or form teams and all ages are welcome to take part in the morning event. Also, each person who raises $100 will receive a free Kidney Walk T-shirt.

"We encourage all people from the community to come out. Even if you are walking with a walker or using a wheelchair, we encourage you to still come out and take part," Jackson said.

According to Jackson, there are 26 million people who have kidney diseases and another 26 million who don't know they have the disease.

"Chances are you know someone or you yourself are effected by kidney disease. It's a silent killer, but it's preventable," Jackson said.

Big Spring has a high population of people with diabetes and high blood pressure. It is also home to a dialysis center.

Another kidney walk is planned for Oct. 31. Information can be picked up at the weekend event. Jackson hopes to make the walk an annual event.

Terry Watson, dialysis patient and walk chairman, took on the task of setting up a walk in Big Spring.

"I had told him that certain amount of funds had to be raised and planning had to be done, and he took it upon himself to set it up and get it done," Jackson said.

There will also be a free screening in Midland April 18, according to coordinators.

For more information on the screening or to register for the walk, go to www.kidneywalk.org. Registration will be taken until the day before the walk. After that, participants will have to sign up the morning of the event.

"Kidney disease is very common and can be fatal. It is preventable, so why not take precautions," Jackson said.

For more information about kidney disease, visit www.kidney.org.