News

Each year, as a part of the World Congress on Nephrology, the International Society for Nephrology presents the ISN community Film Event. Now in its 5th year, the film event showcases short films that display the challenging and inspirational viewpoints of those affected by kidney disease to help raise awareness and start educational conversations.

The film Research Provides Hope for Transplant Patients which was submitted by Foundation-supported researcher and previous KRESCENT fellow, Dr. Ruth Sapir-Pichhadze and her team, has been nominated as a finalist in the competition. The video highlights personal stories from two Kidney Foundation of Canada affiliated patients, Mary Beaucage and Teresa Atkinson.

The Kidney Foundation reached out to both Mary and Teresa to discuss what being involved in the project means to them. “Sharing my story to make an impact for future kidney patients is the best way I can think of to give back to research that has provided hope and kept me alive.” - Teresa Atkinson.

“The genome project has really helped me understand the complexity of donor/recipient matching. The idea of a more precise match is very hopeful. Making this video happen with Teresa and I on opposite sides of the country is remarkable. I’m pleased with how it turned out. Honouring our friend and colleague Chantal Boucher with a dedication was extremely meaningful to me.” – Mary Beaucage.

Funding and supporting lived experience priorities through our research program remains a priority for the Foundation. “It is wonderful to see a Canadian video finalist highlighting the importance and meaning of research to the lived experience journey, and to see those affected share personal aspects of their stories to inspire others, and give back to the research community”- Leanne Stalker, National Director of Research, The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

We invite the Canadian kidney community to watch the video finalists and vote for their favourite video by April 01, 2023. Community Film Event - International Society of Nephrology (theisn.org)