LAURIE WEIR
The 2024 Kidney Foundation walk has raised more than $2 million across Canada, with over $1 million coming from Ontario alone. Residents of Perth and the surrounding area also did their part.
On Sept. 29, about 40 participants, including team members from the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital dialysis unit, raised over $10,000 at the Perth Kidney Walk – meeting their goal, according to Jennifer Heale, senior regional manager of community and fund development.
Heale emphasized the importance of raising funds to continue investing in medical research for kidney disease.
“Since the inception of the Kidney Foundation 60 years ago, we’ve raised and invested more than $138 million in medical research,” she said. “That investment has changed things for kidney patients. People are now receiving transplants that last decades.”
Heale noted that newer medications for post-transplant patients are easier on the body with fewer side effects.
“We’re also seeing that transplant patients can live much longer, even on dialysis,” she said.
In the early days, a kidney disease diagnosis was considered a death sentence, Heale added.
“That’s just not true anymore.”
Another advancement is new medication that helps preserve kidney function.
“We’re seeing that through diet, lifestyle changes, and medications, patients can preserve a low-functioning kidney for longer before needing a transplant,” Heale said.
These advancements allow patients to enjoy life more fully and avoid being entirely defined by their medical diagnosis.
“The goal is not only to support research but also to fund essential programs,” Heale said. “One thing people don’t often realize is that the cost of being ill is still very high. Chronic disease can significantly impact you financially. About 40 per cent of people on dialysis are at or below the low-income cut-off.”
Financial aid is available to help with medication or transportation costs, typically identified through a patient’s social worker, who can submit an application to the Kidney Foundation.
One program that stands out is Camp Dorset, a retreat for families with members on dialysis.
“Camp Dorset has dialysis on site,” Heale said. “When you’re tied to a machine, you can’t really go anywhere. At Camp Dorset, there are beautiful cabins on the waterfront, canoes, hiking trails – all that fun stuff – but there’s also an on-site dialysis centre. Families can have a normal vacation while still receiving life-saving treatment.”
Heale stressed that kidney disease doesn’t mean families can’t have a vacation. There is also a camp specifically for kids.
“It’s not just for patients but for their caregivers too,” she said.
There are also education programs focused on building awareness around organ donation, kidney health, and kidney-friendly diets.
Although there’s no cure for kidney disease, Heale said significant progress has been made.
“Transplant isn’t a cure; it’s a different phase of managing the disease,” she said. “We would love to find a cure, but in the meantime, we are improving treatments and medications to help people live longer, healthier lives. We’re going to keep doing that and, hopefully, eventually, find a cure.”
TOP FUNDRAISERS
Mary-Pat Shaw was one of the top fundraisers in Perth, raising over $1,200. She walked for Team Edna, named after her mother, who was diagnosed with kidney disease. Shaw’s partner, John Kingsley, and their young German shepherd pup, Sassie, joined the walk.
Shaw, president of the Ontario Branch Board of Directors, said her involvement with the foundation is personal.
“My sister and I became active volunteers with the Kidney Foundation of Canada several years ago when our mother Edna was diagnosed with kidney disease,” she said. “We are proud to support the work the foundation does to offer kidney patients hope and help.”
Another top fundraiser was Cindy Saunders-Reuvers, who raised over $1,000 as part of her team, We’re In For Urine. Laura Mackler of the Mackler Family team also raised more than $1,000.
According to the Kidney Foundation’s website, Laurie Bedford was the top fundraiser in Perth, bringing in $2,700.
RISK FACTORS
According to the Kidney Foundation, because there are often no symptoms until kidney disease is quite advanced, many people aren’t aware that they have the disease until they’ve already lost most of their kidney function.
That’s why it’s so important to know the risk factors for kidney disease and to talk to your doctor about checking your kidney function. Some people are at higher risk of kidney disease and should have their kidney function tested by their physician or health care provider, even if they feel well. There is a short test you can take to see if you are risk for kidney disease. Click here to find out more.
