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This September across Ontario, thirty-five communities will gather for the annual Kidney Walk.

“Kidney Walks are a special opportunity for families, friends and caregivers to rally in support of their loved ones living with kidney disease,” said Craig Kerr, President of The Kidney Foundation’s Ontario Branch. “When our community comes together it is incredibly inspiring. It is absolutely heartwarming to watch people reconnect year after year at our walk events, as they support one another and extend a warm welcome to new participants.”

On average 1 in 10 Canadians has kidney disease and millions more are at risk. Kidney disease is treated with dialysis or a kidney transplant; there is no cure. Over 12,000 Ontarians depend on life-sustaining dialysis treatments several times a week and many of those waiting for a transplant need a kidney.

A diagnosis of kidney disease changes lives and affects the entire family. For some, it means losing hours of the week to dialysis, which affects opportunities to work, travel or spend time together.
 

Participation in the Kidney Walk provides hope for those living with kidney disease when they need it most. The Kidney Foundation aims to support those affected by kidney disease through education, patient support programs like Kidney Connect peer support and the Kidney Community Kitchen renal nutrition website; through advocacy efforts; and by investing in research to improve the future of kidney care in Canada.

“The Kidney Walks raise important funds to support our mission,” said Kerr. “This year, The Kidney Foundation has set an ambitious goal in Ontario to raise $1 million to invest in important kidney disease research and support crucial programs and resources for those living with kidney disease,” he added.

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