Bahamas Kidney Association Inaugural Emerald Soirée to Shine a Light on Hope and Kidney Disease Awareness
Tamika Roberts, President of the Bahamas Kidney Association, stands beside kidney patient Wilfred McPhee as he proudly shares his vision board, a reminder that life continues beyond diagnosis. For many dialysis patients across The Bahamas, hope is not just emotional support; it is survival.
During Kidney Awareness Month in March 2025, the Bahamas Kidney Association distributed care packages to dialysis patients across Nassau and Grand Bahama as part of its ongoing patient support initiative.
Bahamas Kidney Association Inaugural Emerald Soirée to Shine a Light on Hope and Kidney Disease Awareness
NASSAU, Bahamas - February 3, 2026 - The Bahamas Kidney Association (BKA) has announced its inaugural signature fundraising event, the Emerald Soirée, set for Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Margaritaville Resort. The evening will honour the courage and resilience of individuals living with chronic kidney disease while raising awareness around early detection, treatment, and the urgent need for community support across The Bahamas.
Health advocates note that The Bahamas continues to experience one of the highest rates of kidney disease in the region, highlighting the importance of sustained public education and preventative care. Against this backdrop, organisers say the Emerald Soirée is designed to serve not only as a celebration of life, but also as a powerful call to action, bringing together patients, families, caregivers, donors, and community supporters united in one mission.
Green, the internationally recognised awareness colour for kidney disease, will define the evening’s aesthetic and symbolic messaging. The event’s theme centres on hope, hope through treatment, hope for transplant opportunities, hope within community support systems, and hope for a future filled with renewed possibility.
For Tamika Roberts, President of the Bahamas Kidney Association and a living kidney donor, the event carries deep personal meaning.
“I didn’t start this journey as an advocate; I started it as someone who saw firsthand how kidney disease can change a life,” Roberts said. “Donating my kidney was an act of love, but founding the Bahamas Kidney Association was a promise to ensure that no one facing this diagnosis ever feels invisible or alone.”
The Emerald Soirée will be held under the distinguished patronage of Her Excellency Cynthia A. Pratt, Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, with JS Johnson Insurance Agents & Brokers serving as Title Sponsor.
Guests attending the event can expect a carefully curated evening blending entertainment and storytelling. The programme will feature live musical performances by the Essence Band and a vibrant Junkanoo rushout in tribute to dialysis patient and Junkanoo enthusiast Kingsley Pickering. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in raffle drawings featuring prizes such as international travel experiences, including trips for two to London and New York, along with original artwork and other exclusive items.
Roberts emphasised that beyond its celebratory atmosphere, the event is rooted in advocacy and community impact.
“Behind every statistic is a real person, a family making difficult decisions, and a community searching for support,” she said. “The Emerald Soirée is about celebrating life, but it is also about using our collective voice to drive awareness, encourage early detection, and expand support for patients and families where it matters most.”
Youth Engagement Initiatives
As part of its broader Kidney Awareness Month programming, the Bahamas Kidney Association is also launching two nationwide youth initiatives designed to educate and inspire younger generations to prioritise kidney health.
The first is a TikTok Dance Competition, where students can compete in groups of two to six by creating prevention-themed dance videos for a chance to win cash prizes. The organisation is also hosting a National Essay Competition inviting students to submit a 1,500-word essay on the topic: “If You Only Knew Sooner: Why Kidney Disease Awareness Should Start in High School.” Winners will receive prizes including a laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
Organisers say these initiatives are intended to empower youth to use their creativity and digital platforms to advocate for healthier lifestyles and preventative health awareness. Entries for both competitions are due by March 31, 2026.
Recognising Everyday Heroes
A highlight of the Emerald Soirée will be the introduction of the Emerald Honours, an awards segment dedicated to recognising individuals who have made meaningful contributions within the kidney health community.
The public is invited to submit nominations across several categories, including:
Emerald Voice for Change – Recognising community advocates advancing awareness, education, and prevention
Emerald Inspiration in Action – Honouring chronic kidney disease patients whose resilience encourages others
Emerald Gift of Life – Celebrating living kidney donors whose generosity transforms lives
Emerald Pillar of Strength – Recognising caregivers and family members providing unwavering support
Ada Thompson Emerald Award – Honouring medical professionals demonstrating leadership, innovation, and compassion in kidney care
Nominations can be submitted through the Bahamas Kidney Association’s website, with submissions closing on February 20, 2026.
Community Participation Encouraged
Organisers are encouraging community members, corporate partners, and supporters to become involved throughout Kidney Awareness Month and beyond. Opportunities include participating in the Kidney Month Fun Run/Walk scheduled for March 7, attending an Open Public Session on March 14 at the University of The Bahamas, joining Green Fridays throughout March by wearing green to promote healthy lifestyle choices, and supporting patient assistance programmes and dialysis initiatives.
Supporters can also contribute by purchasing tables for the Emerald Soirée, advertising in the commemorative event booklet, donating raffle prizes, or providing corporate sponsorship and in-kind support.
The Bahamas Kidney Association also continues to encourage public education about living kidney donation, which remains a life-saving option for many patients.
The organisation expressed gratitude for the support of its media partner, Eyewitness News, and public relations partner, Fusion IMC, whose collaboration is helping amplify awareness and elevate patient stories nationwide. Additional in-kind sponsors include Bristol Wines & Spirits, Caribbean Wines & Spirits, Commonwealth Brewery, DCM Entertainment, and Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits.
For more information about the Emerald Soirée, sponsorship opportunities, or kidney awareness initiatives, members of the public can visit bahamaskidneyassociation.org, email info@bahamaskidneyassociation.org, or call (242) 436-1317.
About The Bahamas Kidney Association
The Bahamas Kidney Association (BKA) is a national nonprofit organization committed to reducing the incidence of kidney failure and improving the lives of individuals affected by kidney disease across The Bahamas through education, advocacy, and patient support. Founded in 2021 by kidney health advocate and living donor Tamika Roberts, BKA delivers year-round public education initiatives, free community screenings, and patient assistance programs that promote early detection, prevention, and access to care. Working alongside medical professionals, community partners, and volunteers, the Association continues to advance kidney health awareness and strengthen support for patients and families nationwide.
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