Kidney community takes steps to fight kidney disease

NEWS RELEASE

KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF CANADA

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The local Kidney Community will be out in full force on Saturday, Sept. 10 to spread awareness of kidney disease and raise funds for The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Sault Ste. Marie is one of forty communities in Ontario joining together this fall for The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s Kidney Walk. Each year, thousands of Canadians take steps to create a better future for those living with, and affected by, kidney disease.

Kidney disease is impacting communities and families in growing numbers. Today, 1 in 10 Canadians has kidney disease and over 1,000 Ontarians are waiting for a kidney transplant. The number of Canadians being treated for kidney failure has tripled in the last 20 years.

“There is a growing need to increase awareness around kidney disease, particularly with an aging population and an increase in people at-risk for diabetes and hypertension,” says Greg Robbins, President of The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Ontario Branch. “Each year, the Kidney Walks raise funds to invest in important kidney disease research and support crucial programs and resources for those living with kidney disease.”

Kidney Walks are the Foundation’s largest community fundraiser. The events may only last a few hours, but the connections and camaraderie for those who attend has a lasting impact.

“Participants tell us time and time again how important it is to see they are not alone and to become involved in a community of those affected by kidney disease,” added Robbins. “It’s more than just patients, too. 1 in 10 Canadians have kidney disease and millions more are at risk. It’s likely someone you know is or will be affected by kidney disease.”

The Kidney Foundation’s goal is to support those affected by kidney disease through education, patient support programs like Kidney Connect Peer Support, advocacy, and by funding research to improve understanding of kidney disease and its treatments. Kidney disease is treated with dialysis or a kidney transplant; there is no cure.

Walk for someone you love living with kidney disease. For more information, to register for a walk, or to donate, please visit www.kidneywalk.ca. Help us reach our goal of $740,000 in Ontario.

Event details: Saturday, Sept. 10, Roberta Bondar Pavilion at 10 a.m.

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