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Support Canadians living with kidney disease by participating in the Kidney Walk

On September 26th, the kidney community across Ontario will step up with strength, hope and courage for the annual Kidney Walk.  Participants will chart their own path and walk in their own neighbourhoods, as the Kidney Walks continues this year in a virtual format. 

“The Kidney Walk is the Foundation’s signature fundraising event,” said Dr. Norman Muirhead, President of The Kidney Foundation’s Ontario Branch. “Though everyone will be walking different paths, we unite in spirit as one kidney community, supporting the ones we love affected with kidney disease.” 

The Kidney Walk celebration will go online on September 26th at 10am using Facebook and YouTube.  Kidney Walks are a time when those living with kidney disease and their loved ones take comfort in knowing they are not alone in their experience. The Foundation is encouraging participants to share videos and photos from their walk to celebrate, honour and advocate for kidney health and organ donation using #KidneyWalkCanada and #KidneyWalkON. 

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.  The pandemic has led to increased financial challenges, isolation and stress and health concerns. 

The funds raised from the Kidney Walk help support the Foundation’s mission. “From education to peer support; financial assistance to research funding, The Kidney Foundation is here to support all Canadians affected by kidney disease, no matter where they are in their journey,” said Dr. Muirhead.  “We count on, and are truly grateful to, our Walk participants and donors to help us achieve these goals.”

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