Owen Sound Kidney Walk Raises $9,000 for Kidney Disease Support

The annual Kidney Walk held in Owen Sound attracted around 30 participants on Saturday, raising nearly $9,000 for the Kidney Foundation of Canada. This event, part of a series of 29 walks occurring across Ontario this month, aims to raise awareness and funds for those affected by kidney disease.

Judy Stobbe, a living donor and caregiver for her husband, Tom, has become a passionate advocate for the foundation since learning about its resources after Tom’s kidney transplants. “It wasn’t until I came across a peer support group for caregivers that I got involved,” Stobbe shared during the event at Harrison Park. Her journey began about three and a half years ago and has since expanded into various volunteer roles, providing one-on-one support to patients and families.

The local Kidney Walk’s fundraising efforts exceeded their initial goal of $5,000, allowing the foundation to fund essential research and support programs. Stobbe understands firsthand the challenges kidney disease brings, affecting not just the individual but also their families.

Initially, Stobbe opted not to be a donor during Tom’s first transplant due to concerns about both parents being incapacitated. However, for the second transplant, she decided to proceed. Stobbe underwent extensive testing, including bloodwork and scans, and was relieved to discover she was a match. “I was shocked, but one of the bigger determinations is we have the same blood type,” she said.

The COVID-19 pandemic delayed her donation, but almost a year later, the transplant was successfully completed. Since then, Stobbe has not felt any significant changes in her health, aside from the need to monitor her medication carefully. “It feels good to do it because you are giving somebody another chance at a good life,” she remarked.

Kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining health by filtering waste from the body, producing red blood cells, and regulating blood pressure. According to the Kidney Foundation, over four million Canadians are impacted by kidney disease, with various risk factors including genetics, diabetes, and high blood pressure. A risk assessment tool is available on their website for those concerned about their kidney health.

Kidney failure requires dialysis or a transplant for survival, yet not everyone qualifies for transplantation. In Ontario, the average wait for a deceased donor kidney is approximately four years. The foundation emphasizes the importance of awareness and early detection, as many Canadians may not be aware they have kidney disease.

Craig Lindsay, director of programs and public policy for the Ontario branch of the Kidney Foundation, highlighted the significance of events like the Kidney Walk. “When my kidneys failed, I felt terribly alone and disconnected. I went to my first Kidney Walk early in my journey and felt connected,” he shared. The foundation aims to support everyone impacted by kidney disease, whether they are on dialysis, have received a transplant, or are caregivers.

“It might be financial support, peer support, or education,” Lindsay explained. “One in ten Canadians live with kidney disease, and most don’t know it.” The foundation encourages individuals to engage with their healthcare providers to monitor their kidney health.

The Owen Sound walk was one of two scheduled for the Grey-Bruce area, with a second event taking place in Kincardine on Sunday, which had raised $22,500 by the morning of the event. For more information on the Kidney Foundation of Canada and kidney disease, visit their website at kidney.ca.

This year’s Kidney Walk underscored the community’s commitment to raising awareness and providing hope for those affected by kidney disease, reinforcing the message that support is available and essential.