Image Credit: Contributed
September 24, 2015 - 1:59 PM
PENTICTON - Over 500 people in BC are currently on the wait list 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 Penticton 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.”
Penticton is one of 25 communities across BC that will champion the cause with a Kidney Walk. The 2015 event will take place Sunday September 27th at Gyro Park – Penticton – registration will start at 9am and the Walk will start at 10am. Participants will enjoy some belly dancing entertainment by Keisha of Boundless Belly Dancing; we will be inspired by a personal story from Shelley Hunt (kidney donor); Joelle from Sunrise Pharmacy will lead a Zomba warm up and then the walk will kick off with a ribbon cutting, under a balloon arch, with dignitaries and the heartfelt sound of bag pipes compliments of Wayne McDougall. Par-T-Perfect will be on-site with their bouncy castle and there will be a kids tent set up with face painting and colouring books. After the walk, there will be a BBQ, great prizes and a chance for everyone to visit! The Kidney Walk provides a platform to recognize and celebrate special partnerships including amazing individuals who are doing their part for the cause.
“We are especially thrilled to dedicate the 2015 walk to our very own local hero: Teresa Atkinson, who after a 17year wait, is the recipient of the miracle of kidney donation. Teresa is doing great and is recovering from her surgery at the Kidney suites in Vancouver. Funds from events such as this off-set the costs of staying in the Kidney suites. We look forward to Teresa coming home to Penticton very soon!” says Barb Sheppard, 2015 Kidney Walk – Penticton (South Okanagan) Coordinator.
For more information on the 2015 Kidney Walk – Penticton (South Okanagan) visit www.kidneywalkbc.ca and click on the Penticton South Okanagan walk location. There is still time to register your participation or put together a team! Registration can also take place at the event on Sunday September 27th at 9am in Gyro Park – Penticton – See you at the event!
News from © iNFOnews, 2015