News

Even before 2021 arrived, we knew that it would bring us multiple challenges and more of the uncertain climate that COVID-19 created, just like in 2020.
 

The Foundation, defending patients’ rights

In this context, after the Quebec government’s first press briefing of the year and its January announcement that kidney transplants were being suspended, we called on Quebec’s health department (MSSS) to ensure that a minimum level of activity, for very specific cases, be maintained despite the critical situation in the province’s hospitals. We have since received confirmation that organ donation and transplantation activities will continue, but on the basis of stricter recipient-selection criteria, which will mean fewer transplants. Living donor kidney transplant programs are on hold. Only kidney donations made for pediatric patients and transplants from patients participating in the Paired Kidney Donation Program that were already scheduled for the near future will be able to happen. We were also informed that the situation would be reviewed every two weeks.


As part of a concerted national effort, on January 20 we also alerted Quebec’s minister of health and social services to the urgent need to include dialysis patients in COVID-19 vaccination plans. More than 5,000 such people are treated in hospital several times a week, increasing their vulnerability and risk of exposure, yet making them extremely available to receive their dose of vaccine.  

Despite COVID-19’s social and economic impacts, the pandemic has taught us valuable lessons. In addition to the importance of always being ready to adapt, new technologies have enabled us to host a number of webinars featuring renowned experts and covering a range of interesting and relevant topics, all for the benefit of people affected by kidney disease. In the coming year, we intend to continue exploring this new way of delivering information and raising awareness. Virtual activities make it possible to develop new clienteles, maintain existing links and, for some, facilitate the solicitation of donations. We will be holding a few such events in 2021 and hope to have face-to-face meetings eventually so that we can celebrate our successes together and feel the strength that unites us. This will be the case for the Kidney Walk, whose website and fundraising campaign will be launched next April. With some luck, if the health guidelines are eased sufficiently by then, the closing ceremonies will be held in person in September or October depending on the region. Stay tuned!
 

Virtual edition of the Annual General Meeting on May 1

Just like last year, the Foundation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in the virtual realm this year. It will take place on Saturday, May 1, starting at 9 a.m. Details will be announced shortly. The chapters’ AGMs will be held in February and March. As stipulated in our by-laws, only members in good standing are entitled to vote at the AGMs. Dany Babin would be pleased to answer your questions on this subject. You can reach him by phone at 438 814-2309 or by email at dany.babin@rein.ca.

We’re seeking volunteers

Sometimes the new year brings a changing of the guard. We’re looking for volunteers to fill vacancies on various committees and chapter boards in the greater Montreal area and elsewhere in Quebec. If you would like to invest your time or expertise in a dynamic organization while contributing to the pursuit of a vital mission, we have a place for you. For more details, contact Dany Babin at 438 814-2309 or dany.babin@kidney.ca.

May 2021 be better and easier for all of us!

Francine Labelle
Executive Director
The Kidney Foundation, Quebec Branch