Sunday's Kidney Walk at Gyro will see Trail staff awarded for exemplary service
By Trail Champion
Trail’s Kidney Walk is all set for this Sunday at 9 a.m. at Gyro Park.
Over 500 people in BC are currently on the waitlist for a life-saving organ transplant, and almost 400 of those are waiting for a kidney. Thousands more are on dialysis and may also need a transplant. Sadly, many of these patients will die waiting.
That’s why The Kidney Foundation’s annual Kidney Walk is focusing its efforts on the importance of kidney transplantation and organ donation, and why thousands of participants will walk in support of kidney patients and their families.
Kidney disease is a very serious disease that affects 1 in 10 Canadians and has no cure. The Kidney Walk helps to raise the profile of kidney disease and give patients a bigger voice. Kidney patient William Stewart could not agree more and strongly encourages everyone and anyone in Trail to join the Kidney Walk and to register their wishes for organ donation. Simple steps like these could save a life.
“I was diagnosed with kidney disease three years ago after being diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 17. I have watched many people in my family manage both diabetes and then kidney disease, including my mom who eventually had a kidney transplant,” says William. “I am walking for all those suffering with kidney disease and for those who desperately need a transplant to stay alive, and this includes me.”
Twenty-five communities across BC will champion this year’s Kidney Walk, each event with its own local grassroots appeal. Participants will enjoy local entertainment, great prizes, fundraising bbqs and more. The Kidney Walk also provides a platform to recognize and celebrate special partnerships including amazing individuals who are doing their part for the cause.
“We are especially proud this year that the Kidney Walk will host a special awards presentation to recognize the staff from the Service BC centre in Trail for their dedication to raising organ donor awareness and increasing organ donor registration,” says Karen Philp, executive director, Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC & Yukon Branch.
“Here at The Kidney Foundation we have committed to increase kidney transplants and organ donor registration by 50 per cent over the next five years. Events like the Kidney Walk – our volunteers, participants, and partners – are key to our success and will help make this happen.”
Since 2008, The Kidney Walk campaign has raised over $1.3 million for kidney patients in BC. This year the goal is to raise $450,000 across the BC & Yukon Branch.
