Advertisement 1

Kidney Walk in Tillsonburg

Article content

Area residents whose lives have been affected by kidney disease are walking in Tillsonburg to increase awareness of a cause very close to them, while raising funds to support The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Dialysis patients, transplant recipients, living donors, families, friends and renal professionals in Tillsonburg are part of an even larger movement across the province, with over 40 communities participating this September.

Kidney Foundation, Ontario Branch president Terry Young is marking the 40th anniversary of his kidney transplant by walking 40 km in the annual Kidney Walk fundraiser, gratefully remembering the decision a Winnipeg family made to donate their deceased loved one’s kidney.

Young will be joined in his journey by family and friends – the Youngsters team – as they visit eight walk sites, including the Tillsonburg walk on Sunday September 15, throughout September and October.

“I am very fortunate and I realize that,” said Young in a media release. “However, like most transplant patients that I talk to, we all fear rejection. But given how fortunate I am, I also realize the need to give back whenever I can. I have been involved in the Kidney Foundation for years. I enjoy the walks because it gives me an opportunity to talk to others who are affected by kidney disease, to hear their stories and, if I can, provide some hope and reason for optimism.”

One in 10 Canadians has kidney disease, and millions more are  at risk. More than 10,000 people in Ontario are on dialysis today and 1,100 are on the wait list for a transplant. End-stage renal failure is a permanent, life-changing diagnosis. Undergoing dialysis treatments numerous times a week takes its toll physically, psychologically, and financially, and can dramatically affect the patient as well as his/her family and friends.

The Foundation’s goal is to support those affected by kidney disease through education, patient support programs like the Kidney Connect Peer Support program, advocacy, and by funding research to improve understanding of kidney disease and its treatments.

“Kidney Walks are a great way to bring people together in their communities, supporting a common goal to raise awareness and funds,” said Anthony Tirone, Director of Philanthropy and Community Development in a media release. “This year’s goal is to raise $850,000 to support kidney patients and enhance research initiatives. Over 2,000 people across Ontario participated in 2012, raising over $700,000.”

The Kidney Foundation appreciates the support of participants, donors, provincial sponsor CTS, and the many local organizations and businesses that sponsor community walks.

In Tillsonburg participants will gather on Sunday, Sept. 15 at 9 a.m. at Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital – the walk will begin at 10 a.m.

For more information, to register or to donate, visit www.kidneywalk.ca.

KIDNEY FOUNDATION

The Kidney Foundation of Canada is the national volunteer organization committed to reducing the burden of kidney disease through: funding and stimulating innovative research; providing education and support; promoting access to high quality healthcare; and increasing public awareness and commitment to advancing kidney health and organ donation.

Since its creation in 1964, The Kidney Foundation has helped millions of Canadians suffering from kidney failure and related disorders. Fundraising campaigns have raised more than $100 million for research, and to provide services to individuals living with chronic kidney disease and related conditions.

Article content
Advertisement 2
Advertisement
Article content
Article content
Latest National Stories
    News Near Tillsonburg
      This Week in Flyers