NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – More than 1 million New Yorkers suffer from kidney disease, and this weekend thousands will be gathered at the South Street Seaport to show their support.

Nick Cannon will be hosting the event, the National Kidney Foundation’s 11th Annual New York City Kidney Walk. The music star and radio personality faced health problems earlier this year when his kidneys shut down.

After being diagnosed with Lupus nephritis, he’s using his experience to inspire and educate others. Cannon joined The Couch on Wednesday to share his mission.

“We need to get out there and educate each other and help support the cause,” Cannon said.

He added that educating himself has made all the difference. When he was first diagnosed, he was in the dark about the problems kidney complications could cause. Now, he takes small steps to keep a healthy lifestyle.

“I don’t like to try and make it overly dramatic. Everything’s really the same, I’m the happiest person in the world,” Cannon said. “But you have to just take the proper precautions. You gotta eat properly, stay away from processed foods.”

For the full interview, check out the video below. For more information on this weekend’s walk, click here.