After retiring from a senior management role with a national health charity based, I wanted to use my skills in governance on the volunteer board side of the health charity sector.  The Kidney Foundation was a perfect fit for me since chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prevalent in my family.  My mother has lived with CKD for over 30 years and my aunt had a kidney transplant at a fairly young age due to her diabetes.  I saw a call for nominations for The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s National Board of Directors and I joined the National Board in 2015.  During that time, I wanted to get a better grasp on the work of the Foundation at a branch level, so when asked to join the Ontario Branch Board, I was happy to step up.  I have learned so much about the good work of the Foundation and how we have impacted the lives of so many who suffer from kidney disease.  

As a member of the nominating committee, we discussed the need for additional board representation from Northern Ontario and specifically, Northwestern Ontario.  My sister Teresa had recently retired as the Chief Nursing Officer at a hospital in Terrace Bay, Ontario so I immediately thought of her.  Not only did she have experience as an RN, and with dialysis, she has also been closely involved in our mother's care throughout her struggle with the disease.  Teresa is passionate about patient advocacy and is a great fit for the role.  Plus, it is hard to say no to your sister! Teresa joined the Ontario Branch Board in 2020.  

Although we have different skills and experience to offer, we feel that as sisters we can make a difference by contributing to the important work of The Kidney Foundation in our province. 

Our mom Edna has a very long history with kidney disease.  Her disease was discovered when she had some blood work done during a routine physical.   Mom was in her early sixties and was told at that time that she had lost some kidney function and she was given some dietary restrictions to help ward off any further problems as well as new medication to control her blood pressure.

She was able to manage very well for many years with interventions that helped to stabilize her blood work and keep the disease at a minimum.

We spent many hours over the years meeting with her kidney team, going over her dietary needs, medications and looking at the results of blood work.

Over the years, her disease has progressed, but she maintains a very healthy attitude.  She was given the option of dialysis but decided against it - instead choosing to live each day as it comes.

She jokingly told the nephrologist that she would live to be 100.  With her 99^th birthday coming up later this summer, she is still going strong.  Her blood work indicates that she is in the last stages of her battle, but she is determined to keep going and enjoy life.

Our family is blessed to have her in our lives.  Living with kidney disease has been difficult at times, but she has persevered and is determined to enjoy her life and to deal with each new problem with a cheerful disposition looking forward to many more tomorrows.
 
Our family recently gathered in Terrace Bay to visit our mom.  With her 99^th birthday around the corner, we have much to celebrate.  She continues to inspire us all.