DaVita Inc., a leading provider of kidney care services for those diagnosed with end stage renal disease and chronic kidney disease, announced BreAnne Krause and Heather Milligan were recognized as “Shining Rock Stars” for being outstanding team leaders and corporate citizens.

Both are Buckley residents.

The two were selected by their team’s leadership to represent their division Saturday at DaVita’s Kidney Rock 5k Run|Walk in Denver. The Kidney Rock’s mission is to raise awareness for kidney disease through education and free kidney screenings, while raising funds for Bridge of Life-DaVita Medical Missions, a nonprofit organization that brings much-needed dialysis to developing countries.

“It’s certainly an honor to have been selected to represent my team in Denver at this event,” said Milligan, an accountant at DaVita in Tacoma.

More than 31 million Americans are affected by chronic kidney disease, most of whom are unaware they are affected by the disease. High-risk groups include African-Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and seniors (those 60 and older). Primary risk factors include diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease or a family history of these conditions.

DaVita’s regional teams who met fundraising goals were eligible to send teammates to Denver to participate in the Kidney Rock event. Travel and accommodations were provided by DaVita to Shining Rock Star teammates.