Kingston Community Walks to Support Kidney Foundation Research

On the morning of March 24, 2024, nearly a hundred individuals gathered at Lake Ontario Park in Kingston to participate in a walk supporting the Kidney Foundation. This event drew participants from various backgrounds, including those currently facing kidney disease, friends and family members of affected individuals, and others wishing to honour loved ones or celebrate successful transplants. Their collective effort aimed to raise funds for the Kidney Foundation’s mission of education, assistance, and research funding.

Olivia Jelley, the Kidney Foundation’s community development officer for the Kingston chapter, highlighted the urgent need for awareness about kidney disease, noting that one in ten Canadians is affected. Alarmingly, this figure rises to one in three among Indigenous populations. “So many people in our community are fighting this disease. Today, the community comes together to support the programs that can help them,” Jelley stated.

The Kidney Foundation provides various programs, including short-term financial assistance for transportation and grocery gift cards, as well as peer support networks. Furthermore, the organization allocates a portion of its funds to innovative research initiatives. Among the programs discussed was the Lions Club’s Camp Dorset, a unique resort catering specifically to dialysis patients and their families. Recognized as an independent health facility by the government, the camp offers medical care and supplies, ensuring a positive experience for its visitors.

Craig Lindsay, the director of programs and public policy for the Ontario branch, travelled from Toronto to join the Kingston walk. His personal connection to the cause is profound; he has lived with kidney disease for 15 years. “When I was diagnosed, my wife and I had no idea what was in front of us,” he shared. Lindsay recalled his first encounter with the Kidney Foundation at a similar walk, where he witnessed the community’s spirit and found hope amidst his struggles.

“People facing kidney failure often require dialysis several times a week or a transplant to survive. Not everyone is eligible for a transplant, and the average waitlist for a deceased donor kidney in Ontario is four years,” he explained. He emphasized the importance of preventive care, urging the public to adopt healthier lifestyles. “We want to educate the public and make them aware before they end up on a transplant waiting list,” he added. The primary causes of kidney disease include hypertension and diabetes, which are responsible for a significant number of cases.

Lindsay’s personal journey took a challenging turn when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 30, a condition he struggled to manage. This ultimately led to both kidney and pancreas transplants 11 years ago. “What the Kidney Foundation did for me was provide peer support. Talking openly with others who have the disease changed everything for me,” he reflected.

Another participant, Stacey McClelland, shared her experience with polycystic kidney disease, diagnosed at age 12. “I have been on blood pressure and cholesterol medications since I was young, and my kidneys are currently functioning at 40 percent,” she noted. If her decline continues at the current rate, she anticipates facing complete kidney failure within eight to ten years.

McClelland’s condition has prompted her to be vigilant about her health, as she recently faced additional complications, including cardiomyopathy. “I walk for them, I walk for myself, and I walk for all those still fighting this disease,” she affirmed, expressing gratitude that her sister does not share the same condition.

The walk at Lake Ontario Park served not only as a fundraising effort but also as a powerful reminder of the community’s resilience and support for those battling kidney disease. The Kidney Foundation continues to play a critical role in fostering awareness and providing essential services to those affected.

For more information on the Kidney Foundation and its initiatives, visit their official website.