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MarketFinance in pole position as it raises £280m and is approved for Recovery Loan Scheme lending

Stockwood Strategy

Fintech business lender MarketFinance has today announced a £280m debt and equity fundraise and its accreditation under the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS). This comes after MarketFinance became one of the first fintechs to be accredited under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), having lent £250m to companies across the UK. Launched by the British Business Bank in April 2021, the Recovery Loan Scheme supports access to finance for UK businesses as they recover and grow following the pandemic. Funding from the Scheme can be used for any legitimate business purpose including managing cashflow, investment in new equipment and preparing for future growth. It is designed to appeal to businesses that can afford to take out additional finance for these purposes. MarketFinance is ready to lend immediately with its debt and equity funding. The debt financing has been provided from a large global investment firm alongside Italy’s largest bank, Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A. The equity investment was led by Black River Ventures (previous investments include Marqeta, Upgrade, Coursera and Digital Ocean) with participation from existing investor, Barclays Bank PLC. Alongside this, the launch of MarketFinance Flex Loans today will aim to help nearly one million SMEs in the UK solve their short-term funding gaps up to £100,000. Viola Credit has provided MarketFinance with £20m to launch the Flex Loans product. Similar to a credit card or overdraft, businesses will have a pre-agreed limit of up to £100,000 which they can withdraw at once or in smaller amounts. Flexible repayment options enable the businesses to spread their repayments over 3 - 12 months based on their working capital needs. It is a solution to support a variety of one-off and ongoing funding requirements such as purchasing inventory, clearing outstanding invoices, upfront supplier payments, investment into sales and marketing, or expanding the team. Anil Stocker, CEO at MarketFinance, commented: “This funding and our accreditation as a Recovery Loan Scheme lender is testament to the brilliant work everyone at MarketFinance has done to serve UK businesses during a difficult period. Adapting to the increased demand from businesses looking for finance online instead of through traditional avenues also drove our profitability this year, which has continued into H2 2021”. From today, businesses can immediately apply* for an RLS loan from MarketFinance between £50k and £250k repayable over 4, 5 or 6 years. Repayments in the first six months of the term will only consist of interest charges, an additional support measure as businesses gear themselves for a full reopening of the economy. Anil Stocker aded: “Businesses have been resilient and managed to hold their nerve during one of the most difficult periods in recent history. We were there to help with the CBILS and will do the same with the RLS by offering a simple application process, quick decisions and sending funds to businesses immediately. Our fundraise puts us in pole position to do this. We played a key role during CBILS, as one of the first fintech lenders, to help get funds to businesses quickly when they found their applications were delayed and or denied by others. We will stand shoulder to shoulder with businesses and help navigate them through to the full reopening of the economy and beyond”. As a native fintech, the MarketFinance platform is designed to receive, process and manage large volumes of businesses applying for finance using the platform. From simple online application forms, enhanced credit risk models to exceptional one-to-one customer support, MarketFinance will get RLS funds to businesses in need, quickly. “We aim to quickly lend to businesses around the UK. We anticipate demand for RLS to come from companies that will need capital to scale operations ahead of the full reopening of the economy. Manufacturers, wholesalers, public services businesses and a range of others will need the funds to ramp up supplies and build pipelines as business returns to normal” added Anil Stocker. Ends *Minimum eligibility criteria for RLS business loans through MarketFinance: Limited Company or Limited Liability Partnership Trading for more than 3 years, has a turnover of more than £200,000 Company sells goods and/or services to consumers and/or other businesses About MarketFinance MarketFinance is a business finance company with offices in London and Manchester. The online platform enables businesses to access a range of flexible finance solutions - quickly and easily. This smart technology is backed by help from real people so business owners can save time and focus on growing their business. Since 2011, MarketFinance has cumulatively advanced over £2.6 billion to companies across a range of sizes and sectors, providing working capital and finance for everything from paying staff and suppliers to launching new products or services and accelerating growth. MarketFinance is backed by Barclays Bank PLC, Mouro Capital, European venture capital fund Northzone (invested in Klarna, iZettle and Trustpilot), and private equity group MCI Capital (also invested in iZettle, Azimo and Gett). About the Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) The Recovery Loan Scheme is managed by the British Business Bank on behalf of, and with the financial backing of, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. British Business Bank plc is a development bank wholly owned by HM Government. It is not authorised or regulated by the PRA or the FCA. Contact Details MarketFinance Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://marketfinance.com/

September 21, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Grandparents are Grand: Celebrate Grandparents Every Day

YourUpdateTV

For many families, the COVID-19 pandemic has separated grandparents from their grandchildren and made it difficult to be there in person for some of their grandchildren’s biggest moments. And sometimes it’s not even about missing the big moments, but the everyday moments, such as reading a story to them or sharing a meal, that make it so hard to be separated. Because many of us are separated from loved ones right now and relying on virtual ways to connect, UnitedHealthcare collaborated with Sesame Workshop to develop downloadable resources to be shared with family and friends that offer fun ways to connect with grandparents, together or apart. As we celebrate grandparents on National Grandparents Day and every day, now is the chance for your audience to learn more about UnitedHealthcare and Sesame Workshop’s Growing Every Day, Every Way program and how it is honoring grandparents and families by providing educational resources on developmental milestones to establish lifelong healthy habits. Tameeka Smith, grandmother and Community Plan CEO at UnitedHealthcare and Andrea Cody, senior project manager, Social Impact at Sesame Workshop partnered with D S Simon Media and Your Update TV on a nationwide media tour to discuss: Information on Sesame Street in Communities How grandparents can be empowered to take care of themselves Ways grandparents can connect with kids both in-person and virtually For more information on all Sesame Workshop and UnitedHealthcare are doing you can visit: www.grandparentsday.com About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content, It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

September 20, 2021 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Patient Safety Authority cautions parents, reveals tips to avoid infant falls

Patient Safety Authority

With caretakers and family members often unavailable due to pandemic restrictions and fears, many new parents are more tired and stressed than ever. That’s a safety concern says the Patient Safety Authority, especially as it relates to infant falls. September is Baby Safety Month. It’s the perfect time to remind parents that infant falls are preventable—if you understand the risks and take the proper precautions. According to the CDC, pediatric falls result in about 2.8 million emergency department visits per year and account for 50% of non-fatal injuries in infants. The number of households reporting injuries has increased from 14.3% in 2017 to 26% in 2020. These home-based injuries were most often due to falls. The number one risk for infant falls is a caretaker who falls asleep while holding them, often during feeding. Environmental risk factors are also a concern such as placing the baby on a high surface. Tiredness can affect judgement about safe handling and positioning of infants. Falls also happen when someone drops a baby—for example, when a young sibling is holding a squirming baby brother or sister. “Even though parenting is a 24-hour-a-day role, it’s important for you to get as much rest as you can, both in the hospital with your newborn and at home,” says Regina Hoffman, executive director of the PSA. “In the hospital, ask your nurse to place a note on your door when you are sleeping and ask for help if you feel tired.” Any time you fall asleep while holding or feeding your baby, the baby is at higher risk for sudden unexpected infant death (a broader umbrella that includes sudden infant death syndrome [SIDS]), suffocation, or sleep-related causes of death or injury. Remember the ABCDs of sleep: Babies should sleep alone, on their backs, and in a crib, and you should be aware of danger, such as falling asleep or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol (including prescription medication). To get your rest, sleep when the baby sleeps, even for short periods of time. Don’t hesitate to ask visitors to leave so you can nap, and if you feel too tired to care for your baby safely, make sure you place him or her in the bassinet or crib—never in your bed. In conjunction with UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, the PSA released a video on infant falls prevention. You can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA9T839KeJ0 About PSA Established under the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) Act of 2002, the PSA, an independent state agency, collects and analyzes patient safety data to improve safety outcomes and help prevent patient harm. http://patientsafety.pa.gov/ Contact Details Bev Volpe +1 609-230-4696 bev@madisongall.com Company Website http://patientsafety.pa.gov/

September 20, 2021 03:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Phase 4 Services Adds Marketing and Technology Pro to Broaden Consulting Scope, Better Assist Lab Clients

Phase 4 Services

MCR Labs Director of Marketing & IT Yasha Kahn has been named vice president of marketing & technology at Phase 4 Services, a laboratory management and consulting firm positioned to help hemp and cannabis testing labs capture market share in the expanding cannabis industry. Kahn, an information technology expert with nearly a decade of experience guiding marketing strategy and upgrading IT systems for cannabis testing providers, will be tasked with helping Phase 4 clients secure their data and generate brand awareness. His combined marketing and technology expertise make Kahn uniquely well-suited to offer insights tailored to finding success in the digital age. “As a scientist, promoting the business and managing our data were details I hadn’t really considered when we first opened the lab,” said Michael Kahn, Founder and CEO of MCR Labs, a cannabis testing lab operating in several Northeast cannabis markets. “As the industry here grew, Yasha made sure any potential clients coming in knew our name, and he scaled our technology infrastructure to handle the team’s rapid growth.” In his role at Phase 4 Services, Yasha Kahn will guide the firm’s laboratory partners on decisions related to data security and networking, events and outreach projects, and media strategy both digital and traditional. By adding high-level technology and marketing knowledge to their consulting scope, Phase 4 Services enables their client laboratories to focus on the important work of accurately analyzing cannabis products while helping to bring in new business and ensure the right tools are in place to facilitate operations across departments. About Phase 4 Services: Phase 4 Services is a scientific consulting and laboratory management firm dedicated to growing, supporting, and enhancing hemp and cannabis testing laboratories. Founded by experts in analytical testing, pharmaceutical chemistry, business administration, and development strategy, our team is equipped with the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure partner laboratories are successful in their pursuit of advancing public health and safety for cannabis patients and consumers. For more information visit http://phase4services.com. Contact Details Phase 4 Services Joe Crinkley +1 857-230-0839 PR@phase4services.com Company Website https://phase4services.com/

September 20, 2021 11:11 AM Eastern Daylight Time

WIN Adopts New Corporate Name, Centerboard – The Logistics Industry's Neutral Technology Platform

Centerboard

Leading logistics technology platform, Web Integrated Network (WIN), today announced it will be adopting a new corporate brand name, Centerboard, to best reflect its overall mission of giving shippers control over their supply chain using the growing slate of neutral, shipper-centric transportation and supply chain management technology solutions it is developing. A truly neutral solution, Centerboard empowers the shipper to utilize its own contract carrier relationships – as well as accessing any carrier/broker in the spot market. There is more than $1 billion in freight value running through the platform. The company also unveiled a range of new features for its core platform, now known as WIN, by Centerboard. Centerboard, which will continue to operate as a standalone entity from its former parent company, Odyssey Logistics & Technology Corporation, is focused on providing shippers with solutions that are easy to use, customizable and designed for integration, while being more affordable than other options. Centerboard’s proprietary technologies provide supply chain stakeholders access to real-time data, providing unprecedented transparency and efficiency and helping shippers move goods in the fastest, most cost-effective and sustainable manner. Unlike older legacy systems, the company’s product development approach leverages modern, nimble, modular architecture, enabling Centerboard to offer shippers of all sizes the advantage of continuous improvement with the latest technology. Centerboard’s philosophy and modular approach enables supply chain participants the ability to integrate and upgrade while minimizing development costs. Centerboard’s leadership team consists of Glenn Riggs, President; Lindsey Shellman, Chief Commercial Officer; and Xavier Amella, Chief Technology Officer. The company was founded in 2017 and the cost-effective, cloud-based solutions it created like WIN, by Centerboard have helped companies of all sizes save time and money, resulting in increased profits. “Dairyland Trading Co. is a satisfied customer of WIN. Last year alone the WIN software contributed to our 27 percent year over year growth,” said Jerry Haines, Owner and Manager at Dairyland Trading Co. LLC. “We are looking forward to using the expanded features of the WIN, by Centerboard offering to increase our efficiencies as we continue to meet the shifting demands of shipping our goods.” Centerboard enables shippers to transact with quality carriers as well as successfully and easily integrate with legacy and emerging technology. Along with a new vision for the industry, the rollout comes with new platform features like advanced shipment notifications which sends notifications on all order tracking messages, helping to improve costs, accuracy and flexibility. Additionally, a new spot quote carrier setup feature helps to increase efficiencies. “Working with Centerboard allows us to provide our customers with seamless, easy access to key transportation management features right within our system,” said John Walker, Logistics Product Manager at Encompass Technologies, a comprehensive cloud-based ERP for the beverage and food industry. “Centerboard’s technology architecture is designed to be flexible, modular, and agile, which allows our team to upgrade to the latest technology, saving our team and customers time and money.” “The rollout of Centerboard’s solutions, including our ability to offer both standard and custom integrations, allows us to solve key issues facing the shipping and logistics industry. For the first time, shippers are able to take command of their supply chain and to access the features they need most,” said Glenn Riggs, President of Centerboard. “Supply chain is the lifeblood of business, but it’s complex, fragmented and often difficult to find answers to inform good decision making. Centerboard changes that with simplicity, easy integration capabilities and affordability.” To learn more about Centerboard and the new solutions offered through WIN, by Centerboard, visit www.centerboard.com. About Centerboard Centerboard is a neutral, shipper-centric transportation and supply chain management platform supplying shippers with access to a wide range of affordable features needed to take control of operations. Centerboard unlocks business opportunities for shippers, carriers and supply chain stakeholders, through leveraging real-time data. Centerboard is out to make the supply chain more sustainable and efficient to ensure less waste and significant carbon reduction with every trip. Contact Details Kite Hill PR for Centerboard Kite Hill PR centerboard@kitehillpr.com Company Website https://www.centerboard.com/

September 20, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Israeli SleepX to be merged into AppYea Inc. (APYP)

Appyea

AppYea continues the process of merging SleepX into the company. The merger is expected to be completed by 12/01/2021 in accordance with the model published on 08/02/2021 ( Link ) In parallel, SleepX continues developing and improving its algorithms and planning to start production during 2022. The SleepX product is being designed to provide a unique answer to approximately 90 million Americans who suffer from the problem of snoring. DreamIT The night wrist band will include several sensors and a vibration motor which will operates with an intensity adapted to the user's reactions in real time in order to accustom the user to sleep in the correct position using biofeedback, thereby reducing or eliminating snoring. SleepX solution is being developed in collaboration with the Biomedical department of Ben Gurion University in Beer Sheva, and is patent - protected in the US, EU and Israel. https://www.sleepxclear.com/ipportfolio In addition to reducing snoring and improving sleep quality, users will be able to access important statistics relating to their sleep patterns via an app (Apple and Android) to track over time and detect anomalies. Product Clip The sleep apnea market is projected to reach USD 9.9 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period. Major factors driving the growth of this market include the growing awareness regarding the detrimental effects of snoring, availability, and benefits of anti-snoring treatments, growing geriatric and obese population, presence of a large number of cigarette smokers and alcoholics, and a large pool of an untapped snoring population. However, poor efficacy of current anti-snoring treatments available in the market, high cost of some of the anti-snoring treatments, and lack of reimbursement are major factors restraining the growth of this market. “The SleepX approach should not only solve physiological problems for a great many people, but it may also allow many couples to go back to sleeping together," says Bary Molchadsky, SleepX's entrepreneur and CEO. “The decision to merge with AppYea was made in order to accelerate the start point of production. Lately, we see major players entering the market – Google presented its new Fitbit watch with the possibility to monitor snoring. Amazon presented at the beginning of the year the new Alexa that is supposed to identify sleep apnea. However, we believe that the patent-protected technology underlying the SleepX approach should be accepted in the marketplace.” “The SleepX products are being designed to provide, besides monitoring, biofeedback based individual treatment, adjusted to each user in real-time. Following the launch of the first snoring treatment product, the company intends to start clinical trials in order to receive FDA approval for sleep apnea treatment.” “I’m certain that tens of thousands of academic research hours together with international strong patents, would provide Appyea’s investors a significant advantage over time.” Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release includes forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth herein. No statement herein should be considered an offer or a solicitation of an offer for the purchase or sale of any securities. Although APYP believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations and assumptions will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking statements, which involve assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies, and expectations, are generally identifiable by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as these statements are subject to numerous factors and uncertainties, including but not limited to adverse economic conditions, intense competition, entry of new competitors and products, adverse federal, state and local government regulation, inadequate capital, unexpected costs and operating deficits, increases in general and administrative costs, unanticipated losses, financial condition and stock price, inability to carry out research, development and commercialization plans and other specific risks. APYP does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement. Neither APYP nor SLEEPX are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as amended. Contact Details Asaf Porat info@appyea.com Company Website http://www.appyea.com

September 17, 2021 08:47 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Today is National Pet Bird Day

BEAK

Contact Details Jamie Baxter +1 775-322-4022 jamie@theimpetusagency.com

September 17, 2021 08:08 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Celebrate National Pet Bird Day on September 17

BEAK

The Bird Enjoyment & Advantage Koalition (BEAK), a concentrated effort to educate on and grow responsible bird ownership, is excited to announce the 3 rd annual National Pet Bird Day, which will take place Friday, September 17, 2021. Pet bird owners are encouraged to share stories, photos and videos of their birds using the hashtag #NationalPetBirdDay, while others can learn more about the joys and benefits of bird ownership. “Birds are amazing companion animals and are actually very connected to their owners,” said Brent Weinmann, BEAK Chairman. “National Pet Bird Day serves as a day to celebrate all the amazing ways pet birds enrich our lives, educate on responsible bird ownership and encourage others to consider adding a feathered family member to their flock.” What is it exactly that bird owners love most about their beloved companions? According to the American Pet Products Association, bird owners say the top benefits are that birds are fun to watch/have in the household, they provide love, companionship, company and affection, and even relieve stress. But there’s more, studies show birds can also increase social interaction, which is very important to mental health and wellbeing, and pets can be instrumental in teaching children empathy and responsibility. Currently, Millennials represent the largest demographic of bird owners with 45 percent of bird owners being Millennials. For those interested in adding a bird to their home, BEAK offers an interactive quiz at www.myrightbird.com where a series of questions help match users with the right bird for their lifestyle. Quiz questions range from time and financial commitments, living arrangements and noise tolerance, to birds’ level of affection and expected lifespan; all key factors for potential bird owners to consider. “We understand that birds like any pet can be a big commitment and through our resources like the quiz, bird locator, species information and avian vet locator we hope to provide new bird owners the information they need to enjoy the happiness and beauty they bring to a home,” said BEAK president, Dean Reyes. Follow @MyRightBird on social media leading up to National Pet Bird Day for live educational demonstrations, giveaways, photo contests and more! To learn more about National Pet Bird Day visit www.nationalpetbirdday.com for a downloadable toolkit and other ways to participate. About BEAKFounded in 2016, the Bird Enjoyment and Advantage Koalition (BEAK) consists of bird product manufacturers, associations and caregivers with shared interests to address the need for increased, responsible bird ownership. BEAK’s mission is to conduct research, identify existing resources, opportunities and challenges, and educate and drive awareness of the benefits of bird ownership through strategic communications, marketing, collaborations and initiatives. www.MyRightBird.com Contact Details Impetus Agency Jamie Baxter +1 775-322-4022 jamie@theimpetusagency.com

September 16, 2021 11:45 AM Pacific Daylight Time

American Kidney Fund to Hold Congressional Briefing on Increasing Kidney Transplants in Communities of Color

American Kidney Fund

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) will hold an online Congressional briefing, Increasing Kidney Transplants in Communities of Color, today from 1-2 p.m. ET at KidneyActionWeek.org. The briefing will explore the reasons people of color are disproportionately affected by kidney failure, often spend longer on the transplant waiting list, have less access to living donor kidney transplants and often experience shorter survival time of transplanted kidneys. AKF is grateful to AstraZeneca for its leadership support of AKF’s health equity programming. Speakers include: Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Assistant Whip for House Leadership Eric Dolby, AKF patient Ambassador from Raleigh, N.C. Nicole Jefferson, AKF patient Ambassador from Dallas J. Keith Melancon, M.D., Chief of the GW Transplant Institute and professor of surgery at The George Washington University Hospital Ken Sutha, M.D., Instructor of Pediatric Nephrology at Stanford University School of Medicine and AKF Ambassador from Palo Alto, Calif. And moderator Frances Ashe Goins, Former Deputy Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health; adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina and member, AKF National Board of Trustees “The most effective treatment for kidney failure is a kidney transplant; however, people of color—who are already impacted by disproportionate rates of kidney failure—often struggle to access this lifesaving procedure,” said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF President and CEO. “Persisting disparities have led to worse health outcomes for communities of color, and we are calling on members of Congress to ensure equitable access to kidney transplantation for all patients who need one.” One important strategy to confront health disparities in transplant is increasing living organ donations, especially by and for people of color. In 2020, 64% of the 5,234 living donor kidney transplants performed in the United States went to white recipients. Just 11% went to Black recipients and 16% went to Hispanic recipients. Kidneys from living organ donors last 15-20 years on average, while kidneys from deceased donors last an average of 10-15 years. Existing policy barriers discourage many would-be donors from making living organ donations. AKF continues to spearhead legislation at the state and federal level to increase living organ donor protections to make more kidneys available for transplantation, and the 16,000 patient Ambassadors in AKF’s Advocacy Network have been an important part of that work. The briefing is part of AKF’s Kidney Action Week, a week-long schedule of virtual events focusing on kidney disease prevention, management, nutrition, dialysis and transplantation, that is running from Sept. 13-17. Health disparities are an overarching theme throughout the week. Kidney Action Week is made possible by the generosity of sponsors Boehringer Ingelheim/Lilly, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. and US Renal Care. AKF is also grateful to session sponsors AstraZeneca, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, GSK, Horizon Therapeutics plc, Natera, Sanofi Genzyme, Travere and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. ### About the American Kidney Fund The American Kidney Fund (AKF) fights kidney disease on all fronts as the nation’s leading kidney nonprofit. AKF works on behalf of the 37 million Americans living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease—from prevention through transplant. With programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy, no kidney organization impacts more lives than AKF. AKF is one of the nation’s top-rated nonprofits, investing 97 cents of every donated dollar in programs, and holds the highest 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. For more information, please visit KidneyFund.org, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Contact Details Stefanie Tuck Work: +1 202-470-1797 Mobile: +1 978-390-1394 11921 Rockville Pike Suite 300 Rockville, MD 20852 AKF@jpa.com Company Website http://www.kidneyfund.org/

September 15, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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