Support on Many Levels

Ontario Branch 1599 Hurontario St., Ste. 201

Mississauga, ON L5G 4S1 1-800-387-4474 • 905-278-3003 ontario@kidney.ca

African-Caribbean Kidney Association 1-800-387-4474 president@acka.ca Brant County 1-800-387-4474 brant.president@kidney.ca Central Ontario 1-800-387-4474 • 905-278-3003 daniela.piotrowski@kidney.ca

Chinese Renal Association 1-800-387-4474 shukyu.fong@kidney.ca Durham Region 1-800-387-4474 Eastern Ontario 1-800-387-4474 •613-724-9953 jennifer.heale@kidney.ca Hamilton & District 1-800-387-4474 ontario@kidney.ca Kingston 1-800-387-4474 • 613-542-2121 katie.kyte@kidney.ca London & District 1-800-387-4474 • 519-950-5362 rizwana.ramzanali@kidney.ca Niagara & District 1-800-387-4474 ontario@kidney.ca North Bay 1-800-387-4474 Northern Superior 807-624-2680 ontario@kidney.ca Sarnia-Lambton 519-344-3462 elaine.hayter@kidney.ca Sault Ste. Marie 705-949-0400 tannis.mcmillan@kidney.ca Timmins-Porcupine 1-800-387-4474 • 705-365-7492 timmins.president@kidney.ca Waterloo – Wellington & District 1-800-387-4474 tracey.babineau@kidney.ca Windsor & District 519-977-9211 ontario@kidney.ca

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease in Canada with nearly four out of ten new dialysis patients living with diabetes. Management of both diabetes and kidney disease is a complex balancing act for many patients. 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin by Frederick Banting and J.J.R. Macleod at the University of Toronto. To honour this historic discovery, The Kidney Foundation in collaboration with the CIHR-Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes have launched a new research campaign with a focus to accelerate research into diabetic kidney disease. Check out the story on page 5 to learn more about the campaign.

We’re highlighting the stories of three amazing women who’ve shared their experience about living well with kidney disease and diabetes. Registered nurse, Andrea Norgate provides some practical tips to consider for those who are balancing living with both diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

This issue also shines a light on Kidney Connect Peer Support. The peer support program continues to grow with new groups being launched to fulfill the needs of our community. Group facilitators, Andrew and David, share how important it is for caregivers to also have a safe space to talk with other caregivers. Parents of children living with kidney disease need support too, so we’re pleased to launch a new support group to support their unique needs. Check out page 15 to learn more about this new group and how you can join.

While the stresses of the pandemic continue to have a lasting impact, our team of volunteers and employees continues to do all that we can to support Canadians affected by kidney disease. Our kidney community continues to respond, and we’ve witnessed your unwavering support. The Kidney Walk surpassed the 2021 goal, raising more than $840,000 to support crucial programs and research. Thank you to the many participants and donors for making the event such a tremendous success!

Trish Reynolds 