'I walk for my son': Local kidney fundraiser set for this month

The local Kidney Walk is set for Sept. 22.

The event raises money for programs and research initiatives overseen by the Kidney Foundation.

Below is the full news release:

SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO – This September, in communities across Ontario, supporters will reunite at the annual Kidney Walk.  Whether it is to support our friends with kidney disease, celebrate a transplant, honour a loved one who we have lost, or connect with others going through a similar journey, it is always remarkable to see the kidney community rally together to support those they love while raising funds to support The Kidney Foundation’s programs and research initiatives.

“Last year’s Kidney Walk raised a record-breaking one million dollars,” said Mary-Pat Shaw, President of The Kidney Foundation’s Ontario Branch. “Kidney Walks are our signature event, and this year is particularly meaningful as we also celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Kidney Foundation of Canada.”

When asked why she walks, local walker Madison Rollin says, “I walk for my son. Six years old and fighting a battle nobody should have to. I walk so he can have a community to support him and a community to reach out to. I walk to build hope and to continue resilience on this journey. I walk to raise awareness of kidney disease and to support others like my son.”

Sixty years ago, The Kidney Foundation was founded by a group of individuals committed to funding kidney research and raising awareness into this poorly understood disease. While kidney disease is no longer the death sentence it once was, it continues to impact 1 in 10 Canadians and millions more who are at increased risk.

The Air Canada Foundation is joining in the celebration with an extra special contest for this year’s Kidney Walk. For every $100 participants fundraise online from August 7, 2024 – September 30, 2024, they will automatically receive a ballot to be entered to win a voucher for two economy class return tickets for travel to any Air Canada scheduled destination!

Over 12,000 Ontarians depend on life-sustaining dialysis treatments several times a week and many of those are waiting for a kidney transplant. While transplantation provides the best outcome for patients with end-stage kidney failure, it is still not a cure and there continues to be a shortage of organ donors.

Individuals living with kidney disease face emotional, financial, and physical challenges. Funds raised from the Kidney Walks are essential to support the Foundation’s mission.  “From funding world-class research, providing education and resources, peer support and financial assistance, The Kidney Foundation is with Canadians for every step of their kidney disease journey,” says Shaw.  “We are incredibly appreciative to our Walk participants and donors that help us achieve these goals.”

The Kidney Foundation is grateful to our national partner Otsuka Canada Pharmaceutical Inc., national supporter Amgen Canada, media sponsor Yes TV and the Air Canada Foundation, our prize sponsor, for their support of the Kidney Walk.

For more information, to register, or to donate, please visit www.kidneywalk.ca. 

Event details:

Sault Ste. Marie Kidney Walk

• Sunday, Sept. 22
• Roberta Bondar Pavilion, 65 Foster Dr.
• Registration: 9 a.m., start time: 10 a.m.