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KIDNEY Winter 2010 Volume 3 • Number 1 living www.kidney.on.ca A PUBLICATION OF THE ONTARIO BRANCH Dr. Susan Quaggin 2009 Medal for Research Excellence Recipient

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Page 1: Kidney Living Winter 2010_English

KIDNEYWinter 2010Volume 3 • Number 1

livingwww.kidney.on.ca

A PUBLICATION OF THE ONTARIO BRANCH

Dr. Susan Quaggin2009 Medal for Research Excellence Recipient

Page 2: Kidney Living Winter 2010_English

2 / Kidney Living / Winter 2010

Canadian Publications Mail Agreement #40011479Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Trish Reynolds, Communications Manager, Cir-culation Department, 1599 Hurontario St., Suite 201, Mississauga, ON L5G 4S1; email:[email protected]. Phone:1-800-387-4474.

www.kidney.on.ca

ExecutivePeter Davis, President

Riva Grinshpan, Past PresidentHarvey Thomson, Vice President

Richard Harvey, TreasurerDirectors at Large

Hélène BeaulieuMargaret Hanlon-Bell

Christine JowettDoug ParsonsTim PhillipsBrian Porter

Marlene SmithSteve Smith

John L.P. ThorneDr. Jeffrey ZaltzmanExecutive Director

Jim O’BrienOntario Branch

1599 Hurontario St. Suite 201Mississauga, ON L5G 4S1

1-800-387-4474905-278-3003

What’s in this issue – Winter 2010

3 Footloose

5 Celebrating a Quarter Century of Progress

6 2009 Medal for Research Excellence awarded to Dr. Susan E. Quaggin

8 It’s about being patient-oriented

9 Band Against Kidney Disease

10 Are you up for a challenge?

11 Cohen & Cohen: Celebrating our partners in success

13 Honouring Southwestern Ontario’s Community Champions

14 Galabration—An evening everyone will be talking about

15 Tax Tips

17 National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week

18 Paying it forward—The New Challenge Campaign

19 World Kidney Day raises awareness

20 Community Highlights

Cover photo: Dr. Susan Quaggin, 2009 Medal of Research Excellence Winner. Photo credit: Marc Crabtree for The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Ontario Branch 2009-2010

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12 Taking the lead in Scarborough

©2009. Kidney Living, the contents of which is subject to copyright, is published three times a year. Reproduction in whole or in part, in written, electronic or any other format, without prior written per-mission, is strictly prohibited. For more information, please contact Trish Reyn-olds, Editor at [email protected] or 1-800-387-4474 Ext. 4981.

4 Stories of Hope—The Heenan Family

Ontario Branch1599 Hurontario St. Suite 201

Mississauga, ON L5G 4S11-800-387-4474/905-278-3003

[email protected] CHAPTER OFFICES

Central Ontario1599 Hurontario St. Suite 201

Mississauga, ON L5G 4S11-800-387-4474/905-278-3003

[email protected] Eastern Ontario

400C–1150 Morrison Dr.Ottawa, ON K2H 8S9

New mailing address effective Mar. 5/10:401 - 1376 Bank St., Ottawa K1H 7Y3

613-724-9953/[email protected]

Hamilton & District 1599 Hurontario St. Suite 201

Mississauga, ON L5G 4S11-800-387-4474

[email protected] Kingston

100 Stuart St.Kingston, ON K7L 2V6

[email protected]

Niagara & District 1599 Hurontario St. Suite 201

Mississauga, ON L5G 4S11-800-387-4474

[email protected] Northern Superior 605 Hewitson St.

Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5V5807-624-2680

[email protected] Sarnia-Lambton

546 Christina St. N., Main FloorSarnia, ON N7T 5W6

519-344-3462 [email protected]

Sault Ste. Marie 514 Queen St. E., 2nd Floor, Suite 1

Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2A1705-949-0400

[email protected] Southwestern Ontario

379 Dundas St., Suite 119London, ON N6B 1V5

519-850-5362 [email protected]

Timmins-Porcupine 11357 Hwy. 101 E.

Connaught, ON P0N 1A0705-235-3233

[email protected] Windsor & District

1368 Ouellette Ave., Suite 310Windsor, ON N8X 1J9

519-977-9211 [email protected]

Western Ontario (Kitchener/Waterloo) 379 Dundas St., Suite 119

London, ON N6B 1V51-800-667-3597

[email protected]

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LIVING WELL

Ishbel Thomson loves to take long walks by the ocean. The 56-year-old office admin-istrator has seen some of the world’s most beautiful beaches in places like Grand Cayman, the Florida Keys, the Virgin Islands and Hawaii. For her, travel represents

freedom; a way to continue having as normal a life as possible while on dialysis. “I don’t like to think I am sick. I don’t want my kidney disease and dialysis to stop me from doing what I want to do.”

For people on dialysis, leaving home to travel is daunting, especially to faraway places. Ishbel was a bit apprehensive herself a few years back, before her first vacation on dialysis. She was going to Galveston, Texas to board a cruise ship destined for the Caribbean. “When I got on board I went straight to my cabin and all the supplies for dialysis were there. That’s when I relaxed.”

Ishbel, who lives just west of Toronto, is a frequent client of the Baxter Travel Club. The service allows people using the company’s home peritoneal dialysis (PD) system

to continue to go to their cottage or cabin, visit family, travel south for the winter, travel in Europe, or even see historic sites in India. Baxter can deliver bags of solutions and other PD supplies to travel destinations throughout Canada and around the world. “We don’t want you to be confined to the four corners of your house,” says Leslie Scott, a Baxter home patient representative who helps coordinate travel. “There is usually some reluctance before patients go. But the minute they come back I ask, So when are you taking your next cruise?”

Cruises are especially popular. While Baxter cannot deliver PD supplies directly to some Caribbean countries, Ishbel was able to visit many islands on board cruise ships departing from North America.

The key to traveling on dialysis is planning. Travel coordinators need about 10 days notice to ship PD supplies to destinations within Canada, but at least a one-month notice if you are boarding a cruise ship out of the United States. The Travel Club can-not get you everywhere, but it can deliver supplies to a long list of faraway places. For people traveling to more exotic locations, it takes approximately three months notice to get all the paperwork in order. Those destinations include Europe, the Middle East, Indonesia, South America and Australia.

As for Ishbel, she is working on plans for her dream vacation: a 14-day Baltic cruise to Russia with a stop in St. Petersburg. And for now? Another cruise this April to the Caribbean, and more long, wonderful walks on the beach.

Visit www.kidney.ca/kidneystories/jeanlouisclemendot to read another great travel story – a solo sailing trip around the world!

by Heidi Westfield

FootlooseKidney disease doesn’t have to keep you at home

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PERSONAL STORY

Stories of Hope

Last March, the Foundation put out a call to hear your stories of hope. The stories received were heartfelt and inspiring. The following two stories, shared by Hilary and Mike Heenan, illustrate how kidney disease truly affects families and how those families stay strong in the face of adversity. The Heenan Family

Hilary’s StoryMy story of hope is ever evolving, into what my husband Mike and I like to call our “new normal.”

Hands outstretched, through the tiny holes of my daughter’s incubator, I gently touch our tiny miracle… a 4 lb, 6 oz. baby girl, who would forever change our lives. I wondered how I would ever explain to her that while she was in the NICU, fighting a good fight, Mommy was doing the same, waiting to start dialysis. Little did I know, her unconditional love would never require such an explanation. From the beginning, all she ever wanted to know was that I loved her.

Five years later, Olivia is thriving. She has started SK, has joined gymnastics, takes swimming lessons and lives for everything princess which, of course, means so do I.

After a few years of hospital based dialysis, we have had the great fortune of starting home dialysis. Initially, we were concerned that it might be too much to handle, but in many ways it has allowed our family to become closer and I have gained a greater perspective into what truly allows me to feel my best.

What I never expected five years ago, when facing great adversity, was that di-alysis could simply be a part of my life. I always somehow imagined my life would be dialysis. That is not the case today.

Of course, it is not always easy. The de-mands are always there, whether I feel well or not. But the person who gives me hope is my daughter Olivia. On the days that I am really tired, I think back to the time that she and I were relying on each other; she in the NICU and me starting dialysis, and I realize that today is no different—we are still counting on each other.

Mike’s StorySeven days after delivering our beautiful daughter Olivia, my wife learned the news that she had lost all function in her kidneys and would be subject to a life of dialysis treatments. The news was particularly hard for us to receive, since it came on Christmas Day.

However, since that time my wife has soldiered on and impresses Olivia and me

t Mike, Olivia and Hilary Heenan at the 2009 Give the Gift of Life Walk in Hamilton

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PERSONAL STORY

every day with her courage and heroism. Despite the rigours that come with hemo-dialysis treatments three times a week, she provides hope to Olivia and me every day by being the greatest mother and wife any-one could ask for. Her enthusiasm for life and family cheer us up when all of us are down, consoles us when we are sad, and makes us laugh when we all need a chuckle.

In addition to our family, she has helped many others by raising more than $12,000 for the Give the Gift of Life Walk over the past four years and speaks about kidney disease at local schools.

To us Hilary is hope, and we love her so.

Visit www.kidney.ca/storiesofhope for infor-mation about this year’s Stories of Hope Campaign. The Stories of Hope Program 2010 is suppored by an unrestricted educa-tional grant from Shire Canada.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada thanks you for your support. The personal contact information that we have on file for you is used for the purpose of sending you this publication. From time to time we may use your contact information to keep you informed of other activities, events and/or fundraising opportunities in support of the Foundation. Should you, at any time, wish to be removed from any of these lists, kindly check below and mail this back to The Kidney Foundation of Canada, 1599 Hurontario St., Ste. 201, Mississauga, ON L5G 4S1, or contact us via email at [email protected]. Please allow up to 30 business days to update our records.

q Please take my name off the contact list for this newsletter.q I do not want my name to appear on The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s other contact lists.Indicate your name and address as it appears on the mailing label or include the mailing label with your request.

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_________________________________________________________________________________If you have any questions or need more information about how the Foundation respects your privacy, email us at [email protected], Attention: Chief Privacy Officer.

Celebrating a Quarter Century of Progressby Stacey Scott

Preparations are well under way for The Kidney Foundation’s Sarnia-Lambton Chapter’s 25th Anniversary Dinner. It will take place on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at the Quality Inn and will feature the popular four piece group, the Johnny Bond

Big Band. The 25th anniversary is a special milestone for the Sarnia-Lambton Chapter. Originat-

ing from the London, Ontario Chapter, the Sarnia-Lambton Chapter was established in 1985 by founding President Greg Robbins and volunteer Jean Clark in an effort to bring services and awareness of kidney disease closer to the community.

In 1991 the innovative and much needed Ride Program was launched. Sarnia and Lambton County dialysis patients travel to London for nephrology appointments and dialysis and many in the community lacked the necessary resources to make the frequent trips, so the Foundation developed a van shuttle program to transport patients from the area to London to receive vital treatment and care. The shuttle service continues to operate and has become an essential part of the Foundation’s services offered to the Sarnia community.

Highlights for the landmark anniversary celebration will include dinner, music and volunteer recognition. Special guests will include past Chapter Presidents and Dr. Joaquin Madrenas, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology and Medicine at the University of Western Ontario, and a scientist based at the Robarts Research Institute.

Join us in celebrating our outstanding volunteers and the ever expanding successful history of the Chapter.

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.kidney.on.ca or call 519-344-3462. Lorraine Knight and Ross Glenn promote the

work of The Kidney Foundation at a mall display in the mid-1980s.

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COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

2009 Medal for Research Excellence awarded to Dr. Susan E. Quaggin“Dr. Sue Quaggin is a central figure in the Canadian and international nephrology communities, an outstanding basic scientist, a patient-centered clinical investigator, and an overall ‘ambassador of the kidney’.”

– Dr. Brendan Barrett, Scientific Co-Chair of The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s Research Council

Dr. Susan E. Quaggin has been awarded The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s 2009 Medal for Research Excellence for exceptional work that has extensively improved the lives of people living with kidney disease.

Following her post-doctoral training at Yale University, Dr. Quaggin embarked on a study that led to a landmark discovery: the podocyte. This cell is vital to developing healthy kidneys, hearts and lungs. Podocytes help form the glomeruli (the kidney’s filtration barrier) that remove excess fluids and wastes. Their discovery and study is fundamental to understanding kidney physiology and disease states. Her basic research findings have also led to an exponential increase in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie common kidney diseases such as diabetic nephropathy and nephrotic syndrome. She is currently studying glomerulosclerosis, a condition caused by diabetes. Glomerulosclerosis results in the scarring of the glomeruli and may lead to kidney disease.

As a clinician-investigator, Dr. Quaggin conducts meaningful translational research at its best. For instance, she found that VEGF inhibitors, widely used as anti-cancer agents, target and harm the kidney. She takes a real-life approach to her clinical practice at St. Michael’s Hospital. Through her observations and work with patients, she develops research questions of major importance which are then studied in her lab. The findings help provide new explanations for poorly understood disease processes and offer the potential for new therapies.

Learning of her nomination for this award, Dr. Quaggin commented, “It’s a very exciting time for kidney research. There have been incredible advances throughout the world. I’m very optimistic that in the next decade we’re going to see some great advances in treatments for our patients.”

Today, Dr. Quaggin runs her own laboratory at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research In-stitute at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto where she performs groundbreaking work. Topflight people are drawn to work with her: she has recruited and trained over three dozen outstanding graduate students and post-doctoral fellows from across Canada and around the world. And that number is steadily growing.

“Sue Quaggin is an extensively published, accomplished and talented young scientist in the flourishing phase of her career,” notes Dr. Andras Kapus, associate professor at the research institute of St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. “She has rendered immense service to the field of nephrology and to people with kidney disease. We look forward to what she will achieve in the years to come.’’

Each year The Kidney Foundation of Canada awards The Medal for Research Excel-lence to honour a Canadian researcher whose work is recognized by their peers for having improved the treatment and care of people living with kidney disease and related conditions.

View Dr. Quaggin’s acceptance video on the research page at www.kidney.ca.

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MEDICAL RESEARCH

There are four types of research, all of them funded by the Foundation and of value to the person with kidney

disease. In this article, we focus on one particular type of research: clinical.

Clinical research combines discoveries from the basic science laboratory with the observations and insights of clinicians—those persons with a health profession designation such as a doctor or nurse who work directly with individuals affected by disease. It requires human subjects, and its focus is on the health of individuals in a clinical setting rather than on the health care system.

Dr. Amit Garg is a practicing nephrolo-gist. He believes that conducting research and taking care of patients go hand in hand: “By seeing patients, you understand what needs to be studied to improve things. By doing research, you find new ways to provide better patient care, and you’re better equipped to move new knowledge into action.”

Being able to apply knowledge gained in one setting to another is also known as

translational research. “My field of study is called translational physiology,” explains Dr. David Cherney, a graduate of the Foun-dation’s Kidney Research Scientist Core Education and National Training (KRES-CENT) program founded in 2005. “I take an area that’s been studied in laboratories and translate it to the human level. The research that I do will help identify people who are at risk for kidney disease early in the course of diabetes, the major cause of end-stage renal disease.”

“Well-trained and appropriately sup-ported clinician-researchers or investiga-tors are vital to the national health research endeavour,” says Mr. Wim Wolfs, Director of The Kidney Foundation’s National Re-search Program. “These individuals work at connecting the dots between biomedical and clinical research, and between clinical research and health systems/policy and population health research. They cross easily from one type of research to another. And their regular contact with patients or health clients allows them to generate the questions which guide relevant research

in these other areas. It also helps them to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of discoveries made in other streams of health research.’’

Dr. Sue Quaggin, this year’s winner of the Foundation’s Medal for Research Excellence, (see cover story, page 6) is an exemplary Canadian clinician-investigator. Her work with patients has helped develop questions of practical importance. She has also discovered that certain anticancer agents specifically harm the kidneys. Her findings frequently form the basis for new therapies.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada invests in clinical research because it rec-ognizes its valuable role in finding ways to prevent, detect or manage kidney disease and related issues such as bone fractures, heart disease, diabetes, dialysis, and treat-ment compliance. For more information on the research funded by the Foundation or featured in the newest issue of Let’s Talk Research, we invite you to visit the research section at www.kidney.ca.

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For 45 years, The Kidney Foundation of Canada has been funding research that is both relevant and vital to the kidney community in one pivotal facet: it helps to reduce the burden of kidney disease.

It’s about being patient-oriented

by Irene Aguzzi

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FUNDRAISING

Band Against Kidney

DiseaseOttawa goes country

by boot-stomping kidney disease

by Stacey Scott

Put on your favourite pair of Levis and make sure your cowboy boots are spit-shined. Ottawa is going country

for Band Against Kidney Disease!Join us for the inaugural Band Against

Kidney Disease concert and silent auction at Greenfield’s Pub and Eatery on Satur-day, April 10, 2010. The event will feature “Canada’s Rockin’ Country Band” and lo-cal Ottawa favourite, Ambush, famous for their live shows and large fan base.

“Ambush is looking forward to a great event,” said Mark McDonell, lead singer and founder of Ambush. “We know many families that have been affected by kidney disease and want to help make a difference for even just one person with funds raised at the event.” This year’s theme for Band Against Kidney Disease is Boot-Stomping Kidney Disease, which is a perfect senti-ment to event organizer Jennie-Lee Kritsch.

Jennie-Lee was diagnosed 16 years ago with polycystic kidney disease and discov-ered that only two percent of her kidneys were functioning. In August, 1994 she received a kidney transplant and has since

been a strong advocate for organ donation and kidney health.

By combining her love of music along with her passion for organ donation aware-ness, Band Against Kidney Disease was created. Jennie-Lee, along with her friends, is ready to take on a new challenge of organizing the unique fundraising event.

“I thought a concert would be a fun way to raise awareness of kidney disease, The Kidney Foundation of Canada and the importance of organ donation,” said Jennie-Lee.

When it came time to decide on a headlining act, the choice was easy—her favourite band, Ambush.

“When our friend Jennie-Lee ap-proached us with the idea for this event, we said ‘Let’s make it happen!’” comment-ed Mark. “She is a true survivor and it’s her story and passion for the Foundation that really has Ambush doing whatever we can to make the event a night to remember. Our goal also is for us to hold this event annually, so let’s kick it off in 2010 with a bang!”

So dust off your 10-gallon hat and join us for an evening full of music, entertain-ment and fun.

For tickets and sponsorship opportu-nities for this fun-filled evening, contact Jennie-Lee Kritsch at 613-293-9669 or email [email protected].

For more information about The Kidney Foundation of Canada, visit www.kidney.on.ca or call 1-800-724-9953.

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FUNDRAISING

1-866-788-2277 • kidney.on.ca

Are you up for a challenge?

by Maxime Gallant

(NC)—At a first glance, he may look like just another ordinary guy; and he’ll probably maintain that he is. But for some, the ‘K’ in Karl stands for more than just his first name. This man is committed to kidney: kidney health, kidney canvassing, even kidney recipes! The Kidney Foundation called him out of the blue when he moved to his new neighbourhood over 10 years ago and asked him to canvass on their behalf. The chal-lenge—which he took—has done him and many others a lot of good.

“When canvassers go out, they average a dollar a household,” says Karl. “A buddy of mine gets $30 to 35 each year.” He chuckles, recalling that he started by saying to himself, “Well, I gotta beat $35.” So what does he do to meet the challenge? “I put out a blurb to the people on our street in February letting them know March is Kidney Foundation month. I always tell them a little bit about kidney disease, or give them a renal recipe, so they know what I’m canvassing for. The first year, our street raised $200,” says Karl. At the end of March, he writes an encouraging note and lets his street know how many dollars they’ve raised. He writes them again during the holidays.

“So far, since I’ve been doing it, our street has raised $5,784 in 11 years. We’re pretty proud,” says Karl. “And The Kidney Foundation hasn’t found a street that raises as much money as we do, so we sort of toot our horns and say, hey, we’re champions. Not that anyone has ever tried to compete against us, that we know of…”

The money raised by this kidney champion is used to fund vital research and services. For instance, The Kidney Foundation and its partners have developed programs that facilitate living organ donation. Why is this important? Because more than 70 percent of the thousands of Canadians waiting for an organ transplant are in need of a kidney, but the wait can be as long as 10 years. This means that some of those waiting will not make it through 2010, let alone the decade. These are people in your neighbourhood, and if everyone in that neighbourhood spared a dollar—or took time to canvass for kidney—more lives could be saved.

Those interested in canvassing for kidney can sign up by contacting the Branch or Chapter in their area, listed at www.kidney.ca/canvasskidney, or by calling 1-800-387-4474 Ext. 4962 to get the office number in their region. You don’t have to be directly affected by kidney disease to canvass for the cause, but you may want to consider yourself a champion. – www.newscanada.com

How about sparing a dollar? Karl Enns wants to know.

Karl Enns is a champion canvasser for The Kidney Foundation of Canada in London, Ontario

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FUNDRAISING

Ottawa-based Cohen & Cohen is a division of the American Iron and Metal Company, an industry leader in metals recycling, specializing in the recovery and recycling of scrap metal by-products and then turning them into valuable,

reusable raw materials. The success of Cohen & Cohen, and its parent company American Iron and Metal,

is directly linked to their comprehensive transportation system, state-of-the-art equip-ment, modern facilities and leading edge laboratories. This, combined with a strong commitment to preserving a clean and safe environment, is a proven recipe for success.

By integrating the daily operations of Cohen & Cohen and The Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Car program, the results have truly been remarkable.

“We are able to provide a service to the community that not only raises money but also provides the area with an outlet to have their end-of-life vehicles dismantled in the utmost environmentally responsible way,” says Adam Gamwell, Ontario Kidney Car Program Coordinator.

Since partnering with Cohen & Cohen in the spring of 2009, the already well-received Kidney Car program has seen a dramatic increase in the number of vehicles donated, particularly by the Ottawa community. Proceeds from the Kidney Car program fund a variety of initiatives, including groundbreaking medical research, programs and com-munity outreach.

“It is a phenomenal program and the partnership is working well,” says Walter Griesseier, President of Cohen & Cohen. “It has great potential and everyone benefits.”

Walter credits his team of 25 dedicated employees in the Ottawa area, including Mike McNally, a knowledgeable operational manager, and Andy Cook, the charismatic tow truck driver who is often the face of the Kidney Car program. Because of this dynamic team, Cohen & Cohen provides unmatched quality, service and value to The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

About the Kidney Car ProgramThe Kidney Car program, entering its 16th year of operation, is a fundraising initiative of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. People are invited to donate their old or unwanted vehicles to the Foundation. The vehicles are towed free of charge and recycled, or re-sold, and the donor receives a valuable tax receipt for the vehicle. Vehicles that are not resold are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner: the car as well as the tires, battery and oil are recycled. It’s an easy way to dispose of an unwanted vehicle while helping a good cause.

To learn more about the Kidney Car program, call 1-866-788-2277 (CARS) today or visit our website at www.kidney.on.ca. Be sure to have on hand the serial number of the vehicle you wish to donate when you call the Kidney Car hotline.

Cohen & Cohen

Celebrating our partners in successPartnerships like the one being built with Cohen & Cohen have become an integral part of the success to this fundraising initiative.

by Stacey Scott

Pictured are Adam Gamwell, Kidney Car Program Coordinator (left), and Andy Cook, tow truck driver for Cohen & Cohen.

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FUNDRAISING

Collaboration is key when serving the needs of patients.

by Trish Reynolds

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—so the old saying goes—and when speaking about chronic kidney disease (CKD), we know that prevention and early detec-

tion is key to long-lasting kidney health.That’s why The Kidney Foundation is a proud partner of

the Scarborough Kidney Health Initiative. The Central East Lo-cal Health Integration Network (CELHIN) identified diabetes and kidney disease as priority focus areas for more service and program development. Proposed by Carefirst Seniors and Com-munity Services Association, The Kidney Foundation of Canada and Scarborough Regional Dialysis Program then joined forces to form its integrated team-based collaborative, the Scarborough Kidney Health Initiative. In 2007 the project was endorsed by the CELHIN and awarded three years of funding to develop the kidney disease identification, intervention and outreach initiative.

Scarborough, Ontario is home to a large immigrant popula-tion. Many, because of their ethnic origins are at a higher risk of developing CKD. Through kidney health screenings, workshops

Taking the lead in Scarborough

and community awareness events, the Scarborough Kidney Health Initiative raises community awareness about kidney disease and helps connect people with the resources they need to navigate through our healthcare system.

“Prevention and early detection is very important. We know that the progression of kidney disease can be dramatically slowed if caught early enough. If we can pair that with the education and support in navigating through our health care system, we can help reduce the burden of kidney disease,” said Leon Lau, Program Coordinator, The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

The project aims to help with identification through screening those at risk of developing CKD, and reaches out to those who have limited access to health care because of language and other social economic limitations.

“We’ve learned so much from this project,” said Gail Chan, Project Coordinator. “In order to gain credibility and trust from the clients, it’s important to conduct the workshops and screen-ing in their own languages. While it’s not always possible to do

WORKING TOGETHER

Photo credit: Leon Lau

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BUILDING A FOUNDATION

• Over 3,000 people have beenscreened for chronic kidney disease

• 35 percent were identified with riskfactors for CKD and other chronic dis-ease conditions

• 19 percent of thosewith risk factorshad returned to consult their familydoctor

• Over90ChronicKidneyDiseasework-shopshavebeenprovided—transla-tionisavailablewhenneeded.

• Approximately9,000piecesofkidneyhealtheducationmaterialshavebeendistributed

• The Foundation’sAm I at Risk? book-lethasbeen translated intoChinese,TamilandPunjabi.

Project Highlights

so due to the vastly diverse nature of the community, by involving the agencies and volunteers serving the different ethnic groups, we can make a difference in sup-porting those at risk of developing kidney disease.”

“Certain ethnic groups are at a higher risk because of the greater incidence of diabetes and high blood pressure. These include people of Aboriginal, Asian, South Asian, Pacific Island, African/Caribbean and Hispanic origin. By reaching out to these groups and providing information and services in their native languages, we are reaching out to those at risk before it is too late,” said Lau.

The innovation and success of this proj-ect has not gone unnoticed. The project team members were thrilled when the Scarborough Kidney Health Initiative was named one of the three finalists at the Celebrating Innovations in Health Care Expo 2009—a showcase of some of the leading initiatives underway in support of Ontario’s healthcare system.

For more information about the Scar-borough Kidney Health Initiative, call 416-502-2323 Ext. 6274.

Renal professionals do their work skillfully, compassionately and often without public appreciation. The Kidney Foundation of Canada will put the spotlight on a celebrated group of four honorees who are exceptional examples of their

respective fields of contribution.The Foundation’s Southwestern Ontario Chapter, along with partner sponsor LEO

Pharma, invite you to a wonderful evening of celebration on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 as we pay tribute to Professor of Medicine Dr. Robert Lindsay, research pioneer Dr. Cal Stiller, veteran broadcaster Bill Brady, and well known social worker Doug Parsons.

Our honorees will be joined at the event, which will take place at the Lamplighter Inn in London, by event chair Dr. Louise Moist. The evening will give the Foundation an opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the cutting-edge research being done in the Southwestern Ontario region, and to celebrate some of Canada’s pioneers in the field of nephrology.

“The event will give us the opportunity not only to pay tribute to the honorees, but also to raise awareness about the impact kidney disease has on a patient’s life and how the honorees have helped to improve this,” says Dr. Louise Moist, Associate Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology Director, University of Western Ontario and Chair of the event.

Corporate sponsors will also have the opportunity to become members of a Nephrol-ogy Round Table, which will include key leaders in the field of kidney-related care and research, including Dr. William Clark, Dr. Louise Moist and Dr. Peter Blake. The table, taking place this spring, will serve as a discussion hub where nephrologists and attend-ees will learn about the latest developments in nephrology through open dialogue.

“We feel honored and privileged to be associated with these world leaders in nephrol-ogy and to celebrate them,” says Kim Pritchard, Manager of Fund Development for The Kidney Foundation Southwestern Ontario Chapter. “We are thrilled to announce that Heather Hiscox, from the CBC National News has graciously agreed to be our Tribute Dinner Emcee.”

“Please join us in celebrating and thanking these outstanding renal professionals who have made major contributions both locally and globally through philanthropy, volunteerism, research and social work.”

For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit the News & Events Section at www.kidney.on.ca or call 1-800-667-3597.

Renal professionals can make all the difference in the world to kidney patients and their families.

Honouring Southwestern Ontario’s Community Champions

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BUILDING A FOUNDATION

2009 Honorary Chair Dr. Dimitrios Oreopoulos,FACP,FRCPC,MD,PhD,ProfessorofMedicineattheUniversityofTorontoisbestknownforhisworkindevelopingandpromotingperitonealdialysisasaformofhomedialysis.Hedevelopedapermanentdialysiscatheterandaprosthesisthatwasusefulfortemporarydialysiscatheterplacement.HeiscurrentlyaresearcherattheUniversityHealthNetwork.

2008 Honorary Chair Riva Grinshpan ispast-presidentoftheOntarioBoardofTheKidneyFoundationofCanadaandamemberoftheNationalBoardofDirectors.Shehasbeeninvolvedformanyyearsasaboardmember,galacommitteememberandvolunteer.Riva’sphilanthropicnaturehasaninfectiouseffectasshecontinuouslyintroducesnewfriendstotheFoundation.SheistherecipientofnumerousKidneyFoundationvolunteerleadershipawards.

2007 Honorary Chair (the late) Gabe Tsampalieros waschairmanandCEOofSecondCup.In2006,Gabe’swifeYolandedonatedherkidneytohim.GabewasenthusiasticaboutraisingtheprofilesofTheKidneyFoundation’sresearchinitiatives.

2006 Honorary Chair Margaret Hall isthedaughterofthelateAJCasson,renownedCanadianGroupofSevenartist.Ms.Hallsawherfatherstrugglewithkidneydiseaseforsixyearsandhowitimpactedhisfamilyandhisfriends.MargarethasbeenavolunteerwiththeFoundationformanyyearsandisanactivememberoftheGalacommittee.

2005 Honorary Chair Brian Flood,partnerinTorontolawfirmTorys,receivedakidneytransplantin2000afterspendingsixyearsonthewaitlistandondialysis.BrianspentmanyyearsvolunteeringwiththeFoundation’smanyorgandonationawarenessrelatedcommitteesandbecamethefirstChairmanofTrilliumGiftofLifeNetwork’sBoardofDirectorswhenitwasestablishedin2002.HeisarecipientofTheKidneyFoundationofCanada’sMissionAward.

2004 Honorary Chairs Donald Cousens and Donald Clayton DonaldCousensisbestknownastheformermayoroftheCityofMarkham,apositionheheldforthelast13yearsofthe32yearshespentinpublicoffice.HisfriendDonaldClaytondonatedakidneytoMr.Cousensin2002.Theirwell-publicizedstory,whichhighlightednon-relatedlivingkidneydonation,raisedasignificantamountofawarenessaboutdialysisandtransplant.

2003 Honorary Chairs Patrick and Barbara Keenan arelong-standingsupportersoftheFoundationand,inparticular,theKidneyConnectPeerSupportProgram.Amongthesephilanthropists’manyawardsareTheKidneyFoundationofCanadaMissionAwardandtheOutstandingPhilanthropistAward,grantedbytheAssociationofFundraisingProfessionalsin2004.

2002 Honorary Chair (the late) R. Fraser Elliott,founderoflawfirmStikemanElliott,wasaphilanthropistandloverofthearts.Inthelate1990s,hereceivedasuccessfulkidneytransplantfromafriendwhoofferedthegiftoflifeduringaconversationtheyhadonagolfcourse.HeestablishedChairsinTransplantationResearchandHomeDialysisResearchattheTorontoGeneralHospital.

2001 Honorary Chair Senator Vivienne Poy,author,entrepreneur,fashiondesignerandhistorian,wasappointedtotheSenatein1998.SheisapastHonoraryBoardMemberofTheKidneyFoundationofCanada,CentralOntario.In2008,shedonatedakidneytoherson,Justin,whohasbeenlivingwithkidneydiseasesincehewasachild.JustinisactivelyinvolvedwithTheChineseRenalAssociationfortheCentralOntarioChapter.

Galabration—An evening everyone will be talking aboutCelebrate. Motivate. Educate. This year’s annual Kidney Foundation of Canada gala kicks off the excitement with a new name—Galabration.

Galabration, set for Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at the Metro Toronto Con-vention Centre, will be co-hosted

by CBC journalist Jeannie Lee and inter-nationally-renowned researcher Dr. Susan Quaggin. It is our privilege to announce that Mr. John L.N. Bitove, C.M., entrepre-neur, philanthropist and founder of The Bitove Foundation, has accepted the role of Honorary Chair for Galabration 2010.

Dr. Quaggin, recipient of The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s 2009 Medal for Re-search Excellence, will provide a link to the “Educate” component of our gala evening.

To “Celebrate,” we’ll pay tribute to our past Honorary Gala Chairs, many of whom will be in attendance, as we look towards a bright future in kidney research and kidney health education. Past Honorary Gala Chairs include Riva Grinshpan, Margaret Hall, Brian Flood, Donald Cousens, Donald Clayton, Barb and Patrick Keenan, and Sen-ator Vivienne Poy, as well as the late Gabe Tsampalerios and the late Fraser Elliot.

The passion of everyone involved in the Foundation, and with Galabration, will “Motivate” you to make a difference in the lives of those living with kidney disease.

This year’s auction turns to the elite and unique. Place your bids on a three-night stay in a luxurious two-bedroom suite at the world’s number one hotel—the St. Regis in New York City, courtesy of Michael Higgins from Mother Parker’s Tea. Humber-town Jewellers and Rolex will once again provide exquisite Rolex watches. Watch our website for details on a behind-the-scenes experience with some CBC personalities.

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served between 6:00–7:00 p.m., followed by dinner and entertainment.

This is an event that will make a difference. For tickets and details, visit www.galabration.ca.

We Celebrate...

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WORKING TOGETHER

Tax Tips

Every year during tax season, The Kidney Foundation prepares tax tips for patients. Keep the following helpful hints in mind while you are preparing your tax return.

Disability Tax CreditThe Disability Tax Credit (T2201) is a non-refundable tax credit that reduces the amount of income tax that may be owed by people with disabilities or the people who support them. The credit will reduce your income tax payable if you qualify. If you have no tax payable, you may transfer the credit to a spouse or other supporting person.

We recommend that all dialysis patients apply for the Disability Tax Credit. If you have not applied for the credit in previous years when you were on dialysis, you can request a reassessment of your income taxes for that period. If you receive a trans-plant you will no longer be eligible for the credit, unless you qualify under a different disability. You may be able to claim the credit for the portion of that tax year that you were still on dialysis.

Important Note: The Disability Tax Credit Certificate (T2201) was revised for the 2000 year. A new eligibility category, Life Sustaining Therapy, was added. In Part B under Life Sustaining Therapy, we suggest your doctor answer yes to the question: “Does your patient meet these conditions for life-sustaining therapy?”

and specify the “type of therapy” as kidney dialysis. The doctor may wish to include a letter explaining the diagnosis of End Stage Renal Disease.

Medical ExpensesThere are many medical expenses that you may have paid for that can be claimed, such as long distance telephone calls to the hospital or doctor, diagnostic proce-dures, payments to hospitals, prescribed medications, dental services, premiums for private health insurance plans, and ambulances. Out-of-country expenses over and above Provincial coverage may also be included. You must have receipts for all your expenses and you cannot claim anything for which you were reimbursed. You may claim expenses for yourself and your spouse, and subject to some limita-tions, your dependents.

Transportation and MealsTransportation costs to and from medi-cal treatment can be included as medical expenses if you travel more than 40 kilo-metres each way. People who travel more than 80 kilometres each way may also be able to claim expenses for food and ac-

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WORKING TOGETHER

commodations. You have the option of choosing a de-

tailed or simplified method to calculate your travel and meal expenses and this is detailed in the Tax Tips package or can be obtained from the Canada Revenue Agency.

We recommend you keep accurate re-cords of your mileage and receipts for all of your expenses, and get a letter from your dialysis unit or doctor in case you need to provide proof of the number of trips you made. Sample letters of support are available as part of the Tax Tips package.

Home DialysisPeople who have installed a hemodialysis machine may be able to deduct the cost of necessary home renovations. Home dialysis patients may be able to claim a portion of home expenses directly related to dialysis, and a telephone extension in the dialysis room and all calls to a hospital for advice or to obtain repairs.

If you use a room in your home to perform dialysis or store dialysis supplies, you may qualify to claim a portion of your housing costs. For example, if you live in a six-room house and use one room as a dialysis room, you may be able to deduct one sixth of the rent and utilities (heat, electricity, water).

TransplantsWhen going for a transplant, you can claim the costs of travel, meals and accommoda-tion for yourself and one person to accom-pany you. If you had a living donor, and you have reimbursed their expenses, you can also claim the costs of travel, meals, and accommodation for the donor and

one person to accompany the donor. If the donor paid their own expenses, and was not reimbursed, the donor can claim their expenses for meals, travel, and ac-commodation on their own income tax return. You may also claim for reasonable amounts paid to locate a compatible organ donor to arrange the transplant, including legal fees and insurance premiums, and reasonable traveling costs including board and lodging for the patient, the donor and their respective companions.

New Programs for 2008 and 2009 Taxation YearsRegistered Disability savings plan (RDSP)This program, introduced in 2008, helps parents and others save for the long-term financial security of a beneficiary with a severe and prolonged impairment in physi-cal or mental functions. The beneficiary must be eligible for the disability amount. Further information is available at: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pbg/tf/t3gr/t3gr-08e.pdf

Home Renovation ExpensesFor 2009 only, you can claim an amount for eligible expenses incurred for work performed or goods acquired after Janu-ary 27, 2009 and before February 1, 2010.

ResourcesFor a complete Tax Tip package, visit our website at www.kidney.on.ca, speak with your Renal Social Worker, or contact Mary Floro-White at 1-800-387-4474, Ext 4974.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) booklet, Medical and Disability-Related

Information – 2009 [RC4064(E) Rev. 09] contains detailed information on the Dis-ability Tax Credit, Medical Expenses Credit and other deductions for which you may be eligible. The booklets are available from your local tax services office or on the Internet at www.cra-arc.gc.ca or by calling 1-800-959-8281.

Additional CRA resources include: • T.I.P.S.(TaxInformationPhoneService)

– For personal and general tax informa-tion by telephone at 1-800-267-6999.

• Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, this is a free program with specially trained volunteers who will help you complete your tax return. Click on Community Volunteer Income Tax Program or call 1-800-959-8291.

While we make every effort to be accurate, we recommend that you seek professional tax advice for your individual questions.

C e l e b r a t i n g t h e w o r k

o f o u r v o l u n t e e r s

Nominations are now being received for The Kidney Foundation’s Provincial Volunteer Awards. Visit www.kidney.on.ca or

contact 1.800.387.4474 ext.4972 for information on how you can nominate someone.

Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well. ~Voltaire

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WORKING TOGETHER

National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week (April 18-25)

I treasure the Gift of Life I received.

by Brenda Barham

Joanna Frketich’s article, “A Hero’s Gift,” in The Hamilton Spectator brought me to tears many times as I read of this family’s ordeal and their most generous gift to the recipients of their son’s organs.

About this time of year five years ago, I received a life-saving and life-changing kidney and pancreas transplant. Like the recipient in the article, I too, send letters to my “donor family” several times a year. While these letters are anonymous in nature, what I share with them is very personal. I want them to know how much I respect and am grateful for a brave decision they made, at what must have been a very difficult time. They decided to pay tribute to their daughter’s life by saving mine and the lives of several others.

The immensity of their unselfishness and generosity so often overwhelms me—mostly when I am experiencing things that I wouldn’t have, had I not been given “the gift of life.” Things like my son’s engaging grin, my niece’s dance recitals and the sheer joy on my husband’s face as he showed me his scorecard from his best golf game ever. Money can buy many gifts, but nothing as valuable as what this family gave me.

I hope your article will encourage people to think of giving “life” in this holiday season and all year long. Sign your donor card and make your wishes known to your family. There are so many people waiting on transplant lists. Sharing your thoughts on organ and tissue donation with your family now will make a difficult decision easier at a critical time.

To pay it forward, so to speak, I play a key role in my community promoting organ donation and fundraising for The Kidney Foundation of Canada. I will not forget what it was like to be a dialysis patient, to get “the phone call” from the transplant office.

I treasure each moment of the gift I have been given.I live my life healthfully and happily and with the respect it deserves. My donor’s

family needs to know that their child’s life continues in a way in my life and because of that, I am a grateful recipient.

Submitted to The Hamilton Spectator as a Letter to the Editor and Printed on December 19, 2009.

Encourage five people to learnmore about organ donation.Visit www.kidney.on.ca for moreinformation and learn how toadd your name to the registry atwww.giftoflife.on.ca

Spreadamessageoforgandona-tion in your faith community. Asimple message in your churchnewsletter or bulletin could helpencourageotherstohaveafamilydiscussionaboutorgandonation.

Learn more about The KidneyFoundation’sOntarioRenal VoicesProgram and how you can facili-tate a dialogue about kidney dis-easeandorgandonationwithyourMPP. Visit the Programs and Ser-vices pages at www.kidney.on.caor callMary Floro-White at 1-800-387-4474,Ext.4974.

Organize a “Green Day” at yourworkplace. Encourage your co-workers to wear green duringNOTDAW and learn more aboutorgan donation. You can also getinvolved inaLivingGreenRibboneventororganizeoneinyourcom-munity; find outmore by visitingthe Organ Donation section atwww.kidney.on.ca.

Writea lettertotheeditorofyourlocalnewspaper.TemplateswillbeavailablesoonontheFoundation’swebsite:kidney.on.ca.

Ways You Can Make a Difference this National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week (April 18-25)

51234

5

L to R: Harry Fox, Brenda Barham, John McDermott, Anthony Tirone and Michelle Stewart at a fundraising event at Hamilton Place.

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BUILDING A FOUNDATION

WebelievethatCanadahaswhatittakestoleadthemomentumtowardafuturewithoutkid-neydisease.Atthis juncture,TheKidneyFoundationhasaboldnewvisiontostakeoutnewterritoryinthestilllargelyunchartedfieldofkidneydiseaseresearchandeducationworldwide.Buildingonastrongfoundationasoneoftheleadingorganizationsofitskindintheworld,TheKidneyFoundationaspirestolaunchthelargesthealthcharityfundraisingcampaigninkidneyhealthanddiseasesinCanadianhistory—a$15millionplantoadvanceanewphaseofkidneyresearchandprevention.What?TheKidneyFoundationofCanada isembarkingon the largest fundraisingcampaignin itshistory—$15million—to increase investments in researchand to launchan innovativescreeningprogramforchronickidneydisease.Why?Kidneydiseaseisontherise,withanestimated2millionCanadiansalreadyaffectedorat risk.Asthepopulationagesandasdiseases likediabetes increase, thisnumbercouldwelldoublewithinthenextdecade.Thecostofmanagingdialysisororgantransplantationforpa-tientswhoprogresstoend-stagerenaldiseasecouldcrippletheCanadianhealthcaresystem.Where? TheKidneyFoundationofCanada, through itsessential suiteofcoreprograms,has

helpedpositionthiscountryasaninternationalleaderinthefieldofkidneycare(nephrology)andresearch.Canadaisideallypoisedtoleada“greatleapforward”indesigningnewmodelstofacilitateearlydiagnosis,improvepatientsupportservices,andinfundinginnovativeresearchthatwillshapethefieldofkidneyandtransplantationresearchintheyearstocome.When?Kidneydiseaseresearch,nephrologyandtransplantationareveryyoungfields—lessthan50yearsold.InvestorsintheChallenging Limits, Changing Lives Campaignwillbepioneersinadomainthatistrulyatthefrontierofmedicineandthatstandstohaveenormousglobalimpact,notonlyinthefieldofkidneydisease,butinavarietyofrelatedandsupportingfields.Who?FundingfromTheKidneyFoundationofCanadahascontributedsignificantlytothedevelopmentofarobustclusterofCanadiankidneyresearchers,andhelpedtocreateauniqueenvironmentforinnovativecollaborationwithanunprecedentedpotentialtoimprovethelivesofpeopleaffectedbykidneydisease.

For more information, contact Susan Storey, Senior Director of Development, at 1-800-387-4474, Ext. 4960.

The Jason Kroft and Family Fund will help patients who qualify to shoulder the sometimes heavy financial burden of a transplant. “A lot of people suffer from the cost of the drugs, from the time away from work,” he explains. “There wasn’t a

tangible project or fund to assist patients following transplants.” Jason, a Toronto corporate lawyer, is donating $50,000 over five years as part of The

Kidney Foundation’s New Challenge Campaign – Challenging Limits, Changing Lives. A portion of the fund will be available every year for patient assistance. The remainder will be saved as an ongoing endowment, to help the fund grow over time.

“I was fortunate to be able to personally meet the financial burdens, and have a work-place that allowed me all the time I needed to recover,” he says. “If I was self-employed, if I had limited insurance, if I had new expenses I couldn’t cover, that would have been a different experience.”

Jason was diagnosed with kidney disease as a young child. He and his doctor worked

A kidney transplant nearly 10 years ago gave Jason Kroft a new lease on life. Now he has made a major donation to help others who need the same transformative surgery.

Paying it forward

by Heidi Westfield

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BUILDING A FOUNDATION

to push off its progression as long as pos-sible with medication and diet. Still, as he got older, the disease began to take hold; he didn’t have as much energy, and started dropping out of activities he thought would be too taxing. Emotionally, it was hard too. He faced an uncertain future: “I was a teenager wondering if I would have a career. Would I be on debilitating dialysis? Would I be able to have an active life?”

His mother began a series of tests in 1999 to see if she was a match to donate a kidney. It was becoming increasingly clear that he would need a transplant. Jason’s fears about the effect on his mother’s health were eased by the vigorous qualifi-cation process.

“It wasn’t like they were going to place her at risk to make me feel better,” Jason says. That is something Kroft would like other potential donors to understand. “Medical professionalism and their code of ethics is such that my mom felt confident at the end of the battery of tests because she was studied closely, and everyone involved knew that if she was going to give a kidney she would do well.”

His transplant was scheduled for the fall of 2000. It was a success. “In the hospital recovery room I looked over at my mother. She was fine; I was feeling better. I felt a sense of relief.”

It was a turning point. “I felt I had more energy, I looked like a vibrant healthy person,” he says. “I was able to get a sec-ond chance to live healthy and with less burden.”

After the transplant, with much of the uncertainty around his health gone, decisions that he had held off on became easier to make. Jason and his wife bought a house and had their first child. They now have two young daughters and a happy and busy life. He is grateful to his mother for her loving gift and to the health care professionals who care for him. Kroft got involved with The Kidney Foundation of Canada, holding several key volunteer leadership positions.

He sees his donation, during the early stages of The New Challenge Campaign, as both a tangible way to help and a way to reach out to potential donors.

“I think it is important for people to see that The Kidney Foundation is critical to people’s lives and whatever your ability, that you think carefully about helping this campaign and helping the lives of future patients.”

Jason hopes, by telling his story, that others touched by the Foundation’s work will be encouraged to join the campaign, and help in any way they can.

World Kidney Day raises awareness during Kidney Health Month

As thousands of volunteers circulate their neighbourhoods throughout the month of March, Kidney Health Month, raising funds to support the work of The Kidney Foundation, —the massive community fundraising campaign—also succeeds in raising awareness about the importance of kidney health.

In addition to the daily buzz created by 18,000 March Drive volunteers, public aware-ness is heightened through World Kidney Day public awareness activities. World Kidney Day is a global health awareness campaign that occurs annually on the second Thursday of March. The fifth annual World Kidney Day on March 11, 2010 will focus on diabetes, the most common cause of kidney failure.

Over 50 percent of people with diabetes experience early signs of kidney damage. Early detection and treatment of kidney disease can slow or halt progression. Being well-informed and proactive is essential to your health. Your kidneys play an important role in your overall health. Effective management through exercise, diet and medication can help slow the progression of kidney disease.

To find out whether you are at risk for kidney disease, how to manage diabetes, or about awareness events taking place in your region, visit The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s website at www.kidney.ca.

The World Kidney Day website www.worldkidneyday.org has a risk assessment quiz and downloadable World Kidney Day icons for your email.

Key objectives for World Kidney Day:• Raise awareness about our “amazing kidneys”• Highlight that diabetes and high blood pressure are key risk factors for Chronic Kidney

Disease (CKD) • Encourage systematic screening of all patients with diabetes and hypertension for CKD• Encourage preventive behaviours• Educate all medical professionals about their key role in detecting and reducing the risk

of CKD, particularly in high risk populations• Stress the important role of local and national health authorities in controlling the CKD

epidemic. Health authorities worldwide will have to deal with high and escalating costs if no action is taken to treat the growing number of people with CKD. On World Kidney Day all governments are encouraged to take action and invest in further kidney screen-ing.

With files from NewsCanada and WorldKidneyDay.org

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COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Community Highlights

Bowling a Strike Against Kidney Disease

t Bowl ’09 was a tremendous success rais-ing more than $60,000 to support people living with kidney disease. Thank you for your support. We would like to acknowl-edge our top three fundraisers: Lynn Knudsen – $9,200; Riva Grinshpan – $8,050 and Barry Sklar – $6,000. Pictured are event Chair Harvey Lipman with wife Sharon and their teams The Holy Bowl-ers.

Benefit held for Late Musician in Support of Kidney Research

u A benefit was held in October in honour of Gilbert Wilson, a skilled Brockville musi-cian who died in 2009 following a long battle with kidney disease.

Always performing quietly in the back-ground, Gilbert Wilson was part of a promi-nent area musical family and continued to perform in public almost up until the time of his death.

The tribute to Wilson was organized by his long-time friend and fellow performer Matt Hayes. Hayes, who has appeared at numerous public performances with Wil-son over four decades, felt it was appropri-ate to have the proceeds from the tribute support kidney research. The Kingston Chapter gratefully acknowledges this spe-cial donation of $1,238.57. Pictured at right from one of their previous shows, left to right are: Al Torrance; Neil Wilson; Tom Wilson; George Elliott and Gilbert Wilson.

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COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Ruby Anniversary celebration raises funds for The Kidney Foundation

t Madhu and Harnam Kakkar celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on Septem-ber 18, 2009. In lieu of gifts they asked their guests to make donations to The Kidney Foundation of Canada. Approximately $20,000 was raised to support research and programs for people living with kidney disease. Madhu and Harnam’s daughter-in-law, Dr. Rita Suri, is a prominent nephrol-ogist in the London community.

Smile Cookies support the Kidney Foundation

p Tim Horton’s in Strathroy selected The Kidney Foundation as the recipient charity of the proceeds. One hundred percent of the sales of smile cookies for one week were donated to The Kidney Foundation, resulting in a donation of $4,900. Kidney Foundation representatives Dr. Bill Clark (second from right) and Kim Pritchard (right) were on hand to help launch the fundraiser.

Uncork for the Cure

u Norm Marcoux shows off a beautiful donated wine and cheese cake for the cake auction at Windsor’s ‘Uncork for the Cure.’ The inaugu-ral event was held in October at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery.

In BriefItalian NightMark your calendars for the 26th Annual Italian Night. The hallmark event for the Italian community and Kidney Founda-tion supporters in Ottawa is set for March 13, 2010. To date, this event has raised a total of more than $700,000 to support the Foundation’s program and research initiatives.

Visit the News & Events section at www.kidney.on.ca for more details.

Canadian Transplant Games The Canadian Transplant Games are an Olympic-style athletic competition for recipients of life-saving organ transplants. The next games will take place in Quebec City, August 9-14, 2010.

The games demonstrate the success of organ donation by showing that a healthy, active lifestyle is possible after transplan-tation. They also encourage the general public to discuss organ donation with their families. Participants range in age from 6 to 76, and have wide variety of skills and athletic ability. All transplant recipients are encouraged to attend.

Athlete registration material will be available online soon. Click on the story about the games which is posted at www.organ-donation-works.org, the Canadian Transplant Association website. Or you can also visit a special games website at www.jeuxcanadiensdesgreffes.ca where infor-mation is available in French and English.

If you wish to attend the games as a volunteer, you can obtain information by emailing [email protected].

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BUILDING A FOUNDATION

For more details about these events and future happenings in your community, call The Kidney Foundation office nearest to you (see p. 2), or visit www.kidney.on.ca.

February13 Pancake Breakfast/March Drive Kick-off, Kingston17 Kidney Connect Support Group

Meeting, Kitchener17 Kidney Patient and Family Peer

Support Coffee Club, Oshawa26 Pasta Fest, Sarnia28 Chinese New Year Celebration,

Scarborough

MarchKidney Health Month March Drive, a door-to-door national

fundraising campaign is held March 1-31.

Wendy’s Restaurant Promotion Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie

franchises will once again support The Kidney Foundation of Canada

6 Marvin Valensky Memorial Stick Spiel, Kingston

11 World Kidney Day13 Annual Italian Night Dinner, Ottawa17 Kidney Patient and Family Peer

Support Coffee Club, Oshawa23 Kidney Connect Peer Support Group

Meeting, Kitchener27 Fishing Derby, Thunder Bay

April7 Galabration, Toronto10 8th Annual Kazman Dinner and Dance,

Brampton10 Band Against Kidney Disease, Ottawa13 Hamilton and District Chapter Annual

Meeting and Volunteer Celebration14 Pasta Fest, Thunder BayNational Organ Donation Awareness

Week (NOTDAW) The Kidney Foundation of Canada

marks NOTDAW with Living Green Ribbon events throughout the province during the week of April 18-25.

Get Kidney Living via email

Did you know you can now receive Kid-ney Living by email? You’ll receive the same great content as the print version and you’ll get it a few days earlier. Re-ceiving this newsletter electronically also assures the Foundation can keep costs low by decreasing printing and postage expenses. To change your subscription to an email version, simply send your name, current mailing address, telephone num-ber and email address to [email protected]. Please put Change Kidney Living Subscription in the subject line.

e-newsletterGet Kidney Foundation news direct to your inbox by registering for our free monthly e-newsletter today. Receive the latest news and information aimed at people living with kidney disease, their families and supporters. Find out about how the Founda-tion can help you, what you can do to support kidney patients, and what’s happening with kidney research in Canada.

You’ll also receive regular e-alerts updating you about fundraising events, advo-cacy campaigns, new Kidney Foundation merchandise, and much more. Register today—visit www.kidney.on.ca and click on the “e-news” button.

Dialysis patients: How to weather winter stormsWinter weather, an unpredictable mix of freezing temperatures and heavy precipita-tion, can cause power outages and poor driving conditions which may interfere with your ability to make it to your regular dialysis treatment schedules.

Make a plan for bad weather and con-sider the following:• Keep your emergency phone numbers

handy• Talk to your doctor or dialysis team and

family about your plan—what should you do?

• Keep emergency supplies on hand, such as any needed medications

• If you dialyze at a clinic or at the hos-pital, arrange for back-up transporta-tion with a friend, neighbour or family member

• If you dialyze at home and lose power, follow the directions given to you by the training staff

• If you are a diabetic, ask your doctors how to adjust your insulin dosage dur-ing winter storm emergencies

Source: Reuters, January 2009; Fresenius Medical Care

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BUILDING A FOUNDATION

2010 Membership Application and Renewal FormMail your completed form to your local Kidney Foundation office. See p. 21 for a complete office listing.

Count me in! I want to support the work of The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Pleaseprintclearly

Name _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________

City ____________________________________________ Prov _____________ Postal Code ____________________________

Phone _______________________________________ Email __________________________________________________

$10 Voting Membership + $___________ Donation = $___________ total.

All donations are gratefully accepted. Your contribution will help us provide needed services in your community.

Method of Payment: q Cheque q Visa q Mastercard

Credit card # _____________/_______________/____________/____________ Expiry_________/__________

Signature ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Please complete the following information as we are very interested in developing a profile of our membership. The information will be held in confidence.

q I have kidney disease q I am on dialysis q I have a kidney transplant q I do not have kidney diseaseq I am related to someone who has kidney disease q I am a healthcare professionalq I am interested in the work of the FoundationI am q 17 or under q 18 to 29 q 30 to 44 q 45 to 59 q 60 to 75 q 76+

www.kidney.on.ca

20 Windsor and District Annual Chapter Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation

21 Kidney Connect Peer Support Group, Kitchener

21 Kidney Patient and Family Peer Support Coffee Club, Oshawa

22 Volunteer Appreciation Event, Thunder Bay

22 Annual Chapter Meeting, Kingston24 Patient Symposium, Windsor25 Sarnia-Lambton Chapter’s 25th

Anniversary Celebration28 Tribute Dinner, London

May5 Central Ontario Chapter Annual

Volunteer Celebration (Toronto)13 Pasta and Pizza Fest, Windsor 15 Ontario Branch Annual General

Meeting. Details will be posted to the

Ontario website.15 BBQ at Ferrera Concrete, Sarnia18 Kidney Connect Peer Support Group,

Kitchener19 Kidney Patient and Family Peer

Support Coffee Club, Oshawa25 Golf Challenge 2009, London29 Night at the Races, Sarnia

June11 Christine LaBrasceur Memorial Golf

Classic, Sarnia16 Kidney Connect Peer Support Group

Meeting, Kitchener16 Kidney Patient and Family Peer

Support Coffee Club, Oshawa23 Kingston Golf Tournament26 Beach Jam Volleyball Tournament,

Windsor

July9-11 Festival Epicure, Windsor13 Kazman Classic Golf Tournament, Glen

Abbey, Oakville21 Golf Classic, Hosted by the Niagara

Unit and Hamilton District Chapter, Niagara

September Annual walkathons held in more than

20 communities in Ontario. You, your family and friends can join us for a wonderful fall walk, while raising funds and awareness about kidney disease. Online fundraising makes it easy. Visit News & Events at kidney.on.ca for more information.

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Register online: kidney.ca/ontariowalk

In communities across the province this fall.

Join us in a community near you for our annual Give the Gift of Life Walks this September. For more information about starting a walk in your community, contact Daniela Piotrowski at [email protected].

BellevilleBlind RiverBrantfordCornwallGuelphHamiltonIroquois FallsKingstonKitchenerLondonMississaugaNorth BayOrangevilleOttawaPembrokeRenfrewSt. CatharinesSarniaSault Ste. MarieSouth PorcupineStrathroyThunder BayTorontoWindsor-Essex CountyYork Region

Register online soon at www.kidney.ca/ontariowalk