Kidney Living: Spring 2021

Living

KIDNEY Spring 2021 • Volume 14 • Number 1 • kidney.ca

A PUBLICATION OF THE ONTARIO BRANCH

Living Well with Kidney Disease

what’s inside

SPRING 2021

FOUNDATION/FUNDRAISING 3

Looking Forward

18 Hot Sauce Challenge 23 AGM Notice

SERVICES AND SUPPORT/ADVOCACY 4

You’re Not Alone

8

STOP Med-HD

9

DIY Meds

17 COVID-19 and CKD

PERSONAL STORIES 6 Happy Camper

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7 Ken’s Story 14 Kidney Disease is Not Who You Are 16 Transplant During the Pandemic

ORGAN DONATION 11 The Power of Social Media 12 Seeking an Organ Donor?

13 April is Be a Donor Month

LIFESTYLE/FOOD & NUTRITION 20 Good for the Kidneys and the Budget 22 Plant-based Bean Bourgignon

11 Cover: Loi Nguyen found a way to pursue his love of camping even while on peritoneal dialysis. See his story on page 6. Photo credit: Loi Nguyen Canadian Publications Mail Agreement #40011479 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to Trish Reynolds, Director, Marketing & Communications, Circulation Department, 1599 Hurontario St., Suite 201, Mississauga, ON L5G 4S1 email: ontario@kidney.ca Phone: 1-800-387-4474

©2021 Kidney Living, the contents of which is subject to copyright, is published twice a year.

Reproduction in whole or in part, in written, electronic or any other format, without prior written permission, is strictly prohibited. For more information, contact Trish Reynolds, Editor at trish.reynolds@kidney.ca or 1-800387-4474 Ext. 4981.

The appearance of advertising in Kidney Living does not imply an endorsement by The Kidney Foundation of Canada, nor guarantee the quality, effectiveness of any products or services.

Editing, design and printing by GEPM Group Inc. gepmgroup.com

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16 kidney.ca

EDITORIAL

Looking Forward

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by Trish Reynolds

The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Ontario Branch 2020 - 2021 Board of Directors Craig Kerr, President Richard Bernreiter Mauro Burri Charles Cook Chris Costanza Joanne Hagger-Perritt Alan Hui Michael Mastronardi Dr. Norm Muirhead Greg Robbins, Past President Teresa Roberts Mary-Pat Shaw Marlene Smith Sonya Solman Susan Tkachuk Terry Young Executive Director Anthony Tirone Ontario Branch 1599 Hurontario St. Suite 201 Mississauga, ON L5G 4S1 1-800-387-4474 905-278-3003 kidney.ca

orld Kidney Day 2020 is a day I won’t soon forget. It was on that very day, that we heard that schools would close after March Break as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It started what can only be described as a roller-coaster year. From lockdowns to colour coding systems, mask wearing and social distancing, we’ve learned a whole new language and new way of life.

While there have been numerous changes—too numerous to count—it has also been a year of change for many in our community. Transplants were postponed and re-scheduled (see Brennan’s story on page 16); new babies came into the world (check out Marie-Eve’s amazing story on page 14) and more patients than ever before reached out for peer support through our virtual group meetings (see page 4).

It was also a year of change for The Kidney Foundation, as we transitioned in-person events to virtual experiences and launched new ways to raise funds.

And you responded with your support.

Peer support was delivered in new ways. We helped more patients with emergency financial assistance and provided new educational opportunities for patients and caregivers. We are raising our voice and advocating on behalf of dialysis patients to ensure timely access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

We continue to seek new ways to bring you the information you need to live your best life. It’s safe to say that we all look forward to brighter days ahead.

We have some amazing stories to share in this issue of Kidney Living—stories that showcase the spirit, determination and resilience of our kidney community.

While the past year has been a challenge, we’re eagerly looking forward.

Our vision is the same—to achieve excellent kidney health, optimal quality of life and a cure for kidney disease.

Won’t you join us? 

Spring 2021 / Kidney Living / 3

SERVICES AND AND SUPPORT SUPPORT SERVICES

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You’re Not Alone The importance of peer support

by Heidi Westfield

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hen Dan’s kidney function started to fall below 20 percent, he and his wife Joan grew very concerned. The Niagara, Ontario couple looked for ways to learn more about renal diets and how to manage Dan’s condition. Last spring, they began taking part in Kidney Connect peer support meetings, organized by The Kidney Foundation. Once a month they log on to an online session and join a virtual group discussion.

“I think it is good for people with any stage of kidney disease to meet with others going through a similar experience,” Dan says, noting he is especially happy that his wife can also take part. “Some people at the meetings have kidney transplants, while others are on dialysis. It is not an intimidating group, and no one is put on the spot. It is very upbeat and positive.”

Dan and Joan’s group is one of several virtual peer support meetings taking place across the province. Everyone is welcome, and you can connect either by phone or by video conference. There were also in-person groups, but they are now on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic. At a time when people are living with more isolation and anxiety, the online groups offer both emotional support and practical advice.

Michele is 30 years old, and lives in Toronto. She joined a virtual peer support group after being hospitalized with end-stage kidney disease.

The diagnosis “came out of nowhere,” and the meetings have helped kidney.ca

SERVICES AND SUPPORT her manage the transition to dialysis.

“It is good to hear other people’s stories and know you are not alone,” she says. “It is a diverse group, with some younger members and some older. Some people are there to learn more about options for dialysis and transplants. Others are looking to better understand how to continue working while on dialysis.”

Group sessions are just one place to find help and support. The Kidney Foundation also offers one-on-one phone sessions with trained volunteers. For those who prefer online forums, there is KidneyConnect.ca.

The site provides a safe and respectful place to share experiences and learn more about ways to manage renal issues.

No matter where you are on your journey with kidney disease, help is available. Call 1-866-390-

You’re not alone.

Speak to a peer support volunteer who understands what it’s like to live with kidney disease.

We’ve been there too.

kidney.ca | 1 866 390 7337 7337 or email our Programs team at ontario.programs@kidney.ca for information about group meeting

registration or to arrange a peer support connection. 

The Value of One. The Power of Many.

National Volunteer Week April 18-24, 2021

Volunteers Bring Change. Thank you for your time and dedication.

Visit kidney.ca/volunteer or call 1.800.387.4474 to learn more about volunteering. kidney.ca

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PERSONAL STORY

Happy Camper How I found a way to keep camping while on dialysis

by Loi Nguyen with Heidi Westfield

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am 45 years old and live with polycystic kidney disease. A couple of years ago, my kidney function started to drop very quickly. It fell from about 40 percent to 10 percent. Before that, I had been trending down slowly. I was in shock and couldn’t believe this was happening to me; I didn’t think that in my 40s I would be starting dialysis.

I began training for peritoneal dialysis (PD) in November 2019.

After the initial shock subsided, I started thinking of ways that I could continue to enjoy the outdoors while on dialysis. I am hard-wired to go camping. I have been doing it for 25 years, and love every aspect of it. I love prepping for it. I love looking at gear, I love watching other people camp on YouTube. So, there was no doubt in my mind I was going to continue camping. It was just a matter of how I could make this happen. How could I do this safely?

During dialysis training, they show you how to use the manual PD bags for exchanges. I suspected that was the key to completing treatments on a camping trip. Last spring, I started taking my canoe on short day trips to build up my energy levels and strength. Then last July, a friend suggested we go camping up north. We drove to Restoule Provincial Park and moved our gear to our boats. From there, we travelled by canoe and found a site in the back country to set up camp.

I brought along three days’ worth of PD bags, and a sturdy mesh tent. I knew the tent would not collapse when I hung my PD bags for the exchanges. I fashioned a tarp over the tent, to be protected from the rain and continue to have airflow. I was comfortable doing all my treatments in the tent and the trip was a success. I plan to continue camping in this way next summer.

My advice to others is never to give up on the things that you love.

I really believe that for anybody who is about to go on dialysis or is on dialysis you can still live a great life.  kidney.ca

LIFESTYLE

Ken’s Story Polycystic kidney disease touches an entire family

by Paul St. Germain

Janet and Ken know a thing or two about kidney disease. It has touched several members of their family. Too many, in fact.

q Ken and Janet

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oth of Ken’s sisters had renal health issues. The younger of the two had a kidney removed when she was just eight years old and is now on hemodialysis as her other kidney is failing. His eldest sister had a kidney removed in her 30s and developed kidney failure also. Sadly, she recently passed away. Both of Ken’s parents also suffered from kidney disease. However, it was only upon his own diagnosis that Ken became aware of the hereditary nature of polycystic kidney disease (PKD).

“He was working very long hours at the time,” recalls Ken’s wife Janet, “so he initially thought that was the cause of his fatigue.” It was only when he experienced terribly sharp back pain and drove himself to the hospital that he discovered what was happening. In addition to the PKD diagnosis, Ken found out that his high blood pressure was the result of his kidney disease.

In 2009, Ken began peritoneal dialysis and was put on the transplant waitlist.

“Getting the diagnosis was a lot to process,” recalls Janet. “There were many unknowns and a lot of specialists to see.”

Staying positive and maintaining a sense of humour helped a great deal. The patient handbook entitled Living with Kidney Failure provided

by The Kidney Foundation was another tremendous source of aid to Ken and Janet. In it they found answers to many of their questions and tools that helped guide them on their journey.

Ken and Janet also tapped into the Foundation’s Peer Support services to help them through. The program connects people who have received a kidney disease diagnosis, and their families, with a volunteer who has lived through a similar experience and who can provide emotional support and share resources.

In July 2012, Ken received a kidney transplant. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of his health concerns. Recently, Ken had to have his native kidneys removed following a cancer diagnosis. Ken and Janet are also concerned about their eldest daughter’s health as she has also developed kidney stones.

Despite the many hurdles, Ken is very thankful to the organ donor who provided him with a second lease on life. “Without it, I might not have been around to see my newborn granddaughter,” he says with gratitude.  Spring 2021 / Kidney Living / 7

ADVOCACY

STOP Med-HD Reducing the pill burden for dialysis patients

Medication can save lives—but it should be taken only when necessary.

StoryBlocks.com

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ne Can-SOLVE CKD research project, called STOP Med-HD, has created a new clinical tool that doctors can use to reduce the number of medications that are prescribed for dialysis patients, a population that has a particularly high pill burden.

“Dialysis patients have the highest pill burden of all chronically ill patient populations, at an average of 12 medications per day, and up to 70 percent of these medications may be inappropriate,” explains Dr. Marisa Battistella, a Pharmacy Clinician Scientist at the University of Toronto who is co-leading the study. “STOP Med-HD is intended to be a patient-centred solution to avoiding potential harms related to the use of inappropriate medications in patients on hemodialysis.”

The research group began by developing and validating an algorithm for identifying unnecessary medications taken by dialysis patients and ways to reduce these prescriptions over time (a process called deprescribing). The algorithm was developed by a collaboration of nephrologists from across Canada, and now the research team is exploring ways of implementing the tool in a nation-wide clinical trial.

Another critical component of this project involves educating patients on the importance and possibility of reducing their pill burden. This includes the creation of a video that explains the medication-specific risks, benefits and process of deprescribing.

“By increasing patient knowledge, [patients] can more accurately self-monitor and report any symptoms related to the medication,” explains Battistella.

“This enables patients to be more confident and productive when interacting with their healthcare providers, and be more informed when choices or decisions are presented by their circle of care.”

As with all Can-SOLVE CKD research projects, patients played a critical role in developing the materials, which has helped ensure that the content is easy to understand and convenient to use.

“The most rewarding aspect has been working with the patient partners.

It is heartwarming and inspiring to see how dedicated they are to our project and moving the project forward,” says Battistella. “Our next phase is to simultaneously implement and evaluate our deprescribing toolkit (algorithms and patient information tools) in four Canadian hemodialysis units, as part of the clinical trial.”

Reprinted with permission. Source: https://www.cansolveckd.ca/news/reducingthe-pill-burden-for-dialysis-patients/ 

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LIFESTYLE

StoryBlocks.com

DIY Meds

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Over-the-counter medication tips for the renal patient

by Rehal Parmjot, RPh ACPR BScPhm

...just because these are available over the counter, it does not mean they are safe for all to use—especially if you have kidney disease

kidney.ca

ver-the-counter (OTC) medications are medications that you can purchase easily at your local pharmacy without a prescription. These include allergy medications, laxatives for constipation or even some herbals and vitamins. However, just because these are available over the counter, it does not mean they are safe for all to use—especially if you have kidney disease. Most medications pass through the kidney and if they are not used correctly, they can hurt your kidneys or interact with your prescription medications to change their effectiveness.

Following are a few tips to help you choose over-the-counter medications wisely. And remember, if ever in doubt, ask your pharmacist.

Pain relievers There are two categories of pain relievers available as OTCs—acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) such as ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) or naproxen (Aleve®). In general, kidney patients should avoid NSAIDs since these medications can raise blood Spring 2021 / Kidney Living / 9

LIFESTYLE pressure, causing further damage to your kidney. The only exception is Aspirin® 81mg if prescribed by your doctor for heart or stroke protection.

Acetaminophen is safe to use at the recommended daily amounts.

Cough and cold preparations Most cough and cold preparations, such as Buckleys®, Neocitran® or even Tylenol Sinus® contain multiple ingredients, including decongestants such as phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine. These can increase blood pressure or worsen blood glucose levels. In general, it is recommended that kidney patients avoid these remedies and instead, ask their doctor or pharmacist for safer alternatives.

Often the pharmacist will recommend other products to specifically target symptoms of a cold such as acetaminophen for fever, single-ingredient allergy medications for sinus or nasal symptoms or throat lozenges for a sore throat. If you have diabetes, look for sugar-free and alcohol-free products.

Allergy medications Most single-ingredient allergy medications (antihistamines), such as cetirizine (Reactine®) or loratidine (Claritin®) are safe when used by kidney patients to help with sneezing, itching or a runny nose. Often, taking

half the recommended daily dose has shown to be effective in managing allergy symptoms while minimizing side effects such as sedation. If nasal congestion persists, saline nasal rinses (Neti Pot®, Hydrasense®) or steroid nasal sprays (Flonase®) can be purchased as OTCs for use. Topical decongestants, such as xylometazoline (Otrivin®) may be used but only for 3-5 days to prevent rebound congestion. Topical decongestants have a lower risk of affecting blood pressure or blood glucose levels than oral decongestants such as those mentioned above.

Laxatives If you haven’t had a regular bowel movement for a few days, then laxatives such as Lax-a-day®, Restoralax®, Lactulose, Senokot® or Dulcolax® are safe for you to use. Some kidney patients find they have to use these regularly, especially if they are limited in how much fluid they can consume daily. One can modify the dose to help relieve constipation but avoid diarrhea. However, all kidney patients should avoid Fleet® enemas or any magnesium-containing laxatives such as Citro-Mag® or Milk-of-Magnesia.

These products contain high levels of phosphate and magnesium, which can quickly build up in kidney patients and cause toxicity.

Heartburn The occasional episode of heartburn can be treated using calcium carbonate (Tums®), ranitidine (Zantac)® or famotidine (Pepcid AC®) which are all available over the counter. Tums® can also be prescribed as a phosphate binder so check with your doctor if using it frequently for heartburn since it may cause your calcium levels to rise.

Kidney patients need to be careful of Maalox®, Diovol® or Gaviscon® brand products as some contain high levels of aluminum or magnesium which can build up and cause toxicity. AlkaSeltzer® should also be avoided since the high sodium content can increase blood pressure. Pepto-Bismol® may increase risk of bleeding and should be avoided. If heartburn persists, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about long-term management, including dietary changes and prescription alternatives.

Questions?

Your pharmacist and members of your kidney health team are the best source of information. Ensure that you read the label, even on over-the-counter medications that you’ve taken before, as ingredients do change from time to time. If you have severe symptoms that last longer than seven days, you should see your doctor. 

S tay connected

Our e-newsletters help you stay connected with what is happening in the kidney community. Receive expert insights and health information, plus discover new ways to get involved by learning what is being done to raise awareness and help reduce the burden of kidney disease.

Sign up today at https://kidney.ca/Newsletters or email ontario@kidney.ca.

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ORGAN DONATION

The Power of Social Media How Facebook helped Marie-Josée find a kidney donor

by Heidi Westfield

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hen Marie-Josée turned 60 in February, the celebration was especially meaningful. The Kingston, Ontario special education assistant had been through a lot of ups and downs in the past years. At one point, when she was very sick with kidney disease, she wasn’t sure she would see this birthday. Now, thanks to a living donor kidney transplant, she is enjoying her life again and looking forward to the future.

“When I got my kidney transplant, I got my life back,” she reflects.

“There are little things that come with a transplant, of course, but my health is fine and I am doing great. I have a lot more freedom than I used to, when I was on dialysis.”

Marie-Josée was diagnosed with kidney disease more than 25 years ago. In 2016, her kidney function dropped to dangerous levels and doctors told her she would need to go on dialysis. She was put on the waiting list for a deceased donor kidney, but learned it could take more than five years to find a match.

“I didn’t want to be on dialysis for that long, so I decided to look around for a living donor. I have a small family, so I wanted to look outside of that circle,” she says. “That is how it all started.”

Marie-Josée decided to put a sign on her car, advertising for a donor.

The sign read: “Kidney Needed, O Positive, Share Your Spare and Be a Hero,” with her phone number to call.

Her sign garnered a lot of attention, but at first no kidney donor. In March 2018, for Kidney Month, she decided to post a photo of her car ad on Facebook. That proved to be a turning point. The husband of one of her Facebook contacts heard about her situation, and wanted to be a donor. He was a match! Marie-Josée still marvels at the generosity of her donor.

“Somehow, I knew he would be the one. It was overwhelming.

Somebody is going to give me a kidney, who didn’t even know me.”

Marie-Josée has no regrets about reaching out on social media. The one thing she wouldn’t do again, is provide a phone number, as this led to some unwanted calls. However, in the end she believes social media can be useful in spreading the word about the need for kidney donors.

As for her 60th birthday present, she believes that her continued good health is the best gift, made possible by the kindness of her kidney donor. The kidney transplant, she says, is the best gift she could ever ask for.  kidney.ca

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ORGAN DONATION

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Seeking an Organ Donor?

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Here are a few tips on how to get the word out

or many transplant-appropriate kidney patients, the answer to the question, “How do I approach someone for a kidney?” is “You don’t.” It is more about letting many people know about your situation and the need for a living donor to come forward on their own. The key to sharing your story is wide distribution. It’s not only tapping into your own network, but the network of your friends and family too.

It is important to have a compelling short story about your need.

A good 30-second story can get someone’s attention and create a situation where they are interested in finding out more. Some people share this information on their social channels, personal blog, a letter, or an email.

Practice responses to commonly-asked questions from people to whom you tell your story. For instance, have an answer ready if someone asks, “Must I be the same blood type as you?” and be ready

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ORGAN DONATION to talk about available options such as the Kidney Paired Donation Program.

Also, have an understanding of programs that can help cover some of the costs to be able to alleviate some fears about expenses. Living organ donors may apply for financial support through the Program for Reimbursing Expenses of Living Organ Donors (PRELOD).

If anyone shows real interest in being a living donor, be prepared with contact information for your transplant hospital but be sure to let them know that they can back out of the process at any time.

Sometimes breaking the ice with a conversation-starter can lead to more information being distributed. A T-shirt

stating your need for a kidney (Got Kidney?), a unique piece of jewelry such as an organ donor pin or green organ donor ribbon that attracts attention and allows an opening for conversation can be effective. Business cards and flyers are handy to reach out to large groups of people like a sports group or church congregation.

Sharing that you need a kidney is not illegal, but you must be clear that it is illegal in Canada to pay a person to be your living donor.

Don’t be discouraged if no one steps up right away to be your living donor. Time is needed to absorb what you have told them.

Learn more about Living Donation at kidney.ca. 

April is Be a Donor Month

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or many people living with kidney disease, a transplant offers the best chance at a healthier life. Organ donation saves lives and restores health. A kidney transplant is not a cure, but it offers the best possible improvement to health and quality of life for many people living with kidney failure.

Here are a few ways you can get involved: • Inspire others to register or confirm that they are registered at beadonor.ca/kidneyfoundationofcanada • Share your support for organ donation on social media • Talk to your family about organ and tissue donation

Approximately 4,400 people are on the waiting list for an organ transplant in Canada with 77 percent of them in need of a kidney transplant.

On April 7, wear a green shirt, take a selfie and share it online. Tag @kidneyontario and use #kidneyon, #GreenShirtDay, #LoganBouletEffect 

Green Shirt Day – April 7, 2021 On April 7, wear green, register to be an organ donor and talk to your family about your wishes. The Kidney Foundation is proud to be a community partner of Green Shirt Day. Green Shirt Day honours the legacy of Logan Boulet, a 21-year-old Humboldt Broncos hockey player who died following a tragic bus crash that took the lives of 16 people on April 6, 2018. Logan’s parents, Bernadine (Bernie) and Toby Boulet, honoured Logan’s wish to be a donor, saving the lives of six Canadians.

Logan, giving the gift of life, inspired more than 100,000 Canadians to register their intent to donate their organs in a national groundswell of support now widely known as ‘The Logan Boulet Effect.’ kidney.ca

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LIFESTYLE

Kidney Disease is Not Who You Are How Marie-Eve has learned how to live well on dialysis

by Heidi Westfield

I have end-stage kidney disease, and have been on dialysis for five years. Over that time, I have gone on vacation to Florida, spent a week in Niagara Falls and visited my parents’ cottage in Quebec. Just recently, I became the proud mother of a healthy baby boy while on dialysis. Liam was born last November, with the help of a specialized team of kidney doctors.

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y name is Marie-Eve, and I have decided not to let kidney disease control my life. I have found ways to start a family and do activities that people with this condition may not realize are still possible.

My journey with kidney disease started with the way I was born. I came into this world in 1981 with just one kidney, and as a child was followed by a nephrologist. When I was 20 years old, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. I was given medication, but stopped taking it after a few months. I was young and was moving from city to city for my studies. I didn’t understand what high blood pressure could do to my health.

One day in October 2012, I woke up feeling really sick. I was seeing black dots and had a terrible headache. I went to work, but didn’t feel any better.

When I checked my blood pressure at a nearby pharmacy it was 250/200. I was admitted to hospital that day.

Doctors diagnosed me with end-stage kidney disease; my kidney was working at only 15 percent. It was the news that would change my life forever.

After my blood pressure was back under control, I was released from hospital.

Shortly after, I met a team of kidney doctors who to this day help me manage my condition.

My first kidney transplant, from a friend, was in the spring of 2014. It did not go as expected. The kidney moved inside of me, and after five days it failed completely. Eight months later I had another transplant, also from a friend. The new kidney was working well at first, but soon my body began to reject it. The doctors tried everything, but I had a massive rejection in July 2016.

It was a difficult time. I was full of emotions and very sick.

It took about two to three months for me to get back on my feet. When I was well enough, I chose a hybrid treatment of peritoneal and hemodialysis. The treatment was effective, and soon I returned to work full time.

I love the water, but on dialysis I couldn’t go swimming in a pool or the ocean. My fiancé is very supportive, and has helped me find ways to enjoy these activities again. We were able to protect both my catheters with a waterproof dressing.

In 2019, we travelled to Florida and spent four weeks there.

I set up dialysis sessions at a local hospital, and was able to t Marie-Eve and her fiancé

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LIFESTYLE “Remember that kidney disease is not who you are.

Whatever your age, there are ways to cope with the disease and take back control. Kidney disease is just part of your life, and you can work around it.” ~ Marie-Eve go scuba diving and even swim with dolphins! I was on the way to getting my life back.

My advice to people with kidney disease is to get in touch with others going through the same experience, so you don’t feel so alone. Also, reach out to organizations such as The Kidney Foundation that can provide information and resources. Remember that kidney disease is not who you are. Whatever your age, there are ways to cope with the disease and take back control. Kidney disease is just a part of your life, and you can work around it.  t Marie-Eve with baby Liam

Active Living for Life Now offered virtually!

•

FREE exercise program designed for kidney patients • led by a registered kinesiologist • must have access to the internet and a device with a camera and • microphone • each session includes a warm-up, strengthening and balance exercises and cool down

Active Living for Life is generously supported by the Kazman Foundation in partnership with William Osler Health, Sheridan College and The Kidney Foundation.

Learn more:

kidney.ca/programs/activeliving kidney.ca

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PERSONAL STORY

Transplant During the Pandemic Father and son share incredible journey

by Mark Bell

At 12 years old, my son Brennan started to feel pain he had never felt before. Suspecting it could be his appendix, we took him to our family doctor. He recommended that we take Brennan to the hospital to have him checked out.

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After many tests, the doctors found a problem with his kidneys. Brennan was referred to a nephrologist and we were told that his kidney function was just 60 percent.

We were shocked. rennan was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), resulting in the eventual decline of his kidney function to a point where he needed dialysis. Although Brennan tired easily, he enjoyed life and was pushing himself to get involved and to savour every moment.

We began the process for a living donor transplant. Knowing I was a blood match with Brennan, I knew I wanted to be the first to be tested, so I put my name forward right away. On March 12, 2020, I found out I was a match and a date was set for April for the transplant.

Only a few days later, on March 14, we received a call that the surgery needed to be postponed because of the pandemic. It was absolutely devastating. My son had just started dialysis and I was so excited that he would only require it for a few weeks. Brennan continued with peritoneal dialysis and we hoped for a call to reschedule the transplant.

Luckily, we got that call. Our surgeries took place in London on September 16, 2020. My surgery took place at University Hospital and Brennan’s was at Victoria Hospital. Knowing the transplant would take place during the pandemic added a whole new level of stress for our entire family. Our worries were put at ease seeing how the hospitals and medical teams were working to keep us both safe.

We received an overwhelming amount of support from family and friends.

Brennan’s positive outlook also helped us get through this entire process. Our surgeries went well and a few days later, we were able to reunite at home.

The most amazing moment was when I saw Brennan for the first-time posttransplant and was able to give him a hug. I saw how much healthier he looked and felt. It was an incredible moment for both of us.

To those who are considering becoming a living donor, I highly recommend it. Not only is it life changing, but it is also the most rewarding thing I have ever done. The feeling of being able to give someone a second chance is such an incredible feeling.

Brennan started high school in the fall and is full of energy looking for new adventures and activities to take on. He is an amazing kid and I’m so very proud of him. 

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ADVOCACY

COVID-19 and CKD

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Ontario Branch

1599 Hurontario St., Ste. 201 Mississauga, ON L5G 4S1 1-800-387-4474 • 905-278-3003 ontario@kidney.ca

Dialysis patients need urgent access to vaccine

hallenges faced by dialysis patients have increased in complexity

by COVID-19. In light of this, The Kidney Foundation is calling on the provincial government to consider the urgent need for dialysis patients to be immunized quickly as phases of eligibility are applied to those beyond frontline workers and those in long term care.

Behind the scenes over the last few months, The Kidney Foundation has been delivering this message to our provincial government, Medical Officers of Health, members of the Vaccine Distribution Task Force and key personnel within the Ministry of Health.

“As the Ministry of Health and Public Health Units assess the most vulnerable segments of the population, people with kidney failure mustn’t be overlooked,” said Anthony Tirone, Executive Director of The Kidney Foundation’s Ontario Branch. “We are calling on provincial governments to prioritize people on dialysis for COVID-19 vaccination.”

Given that 75 percent of dialysis patients currently travel to a hospital or treatment centre for their dialysis, it would be relatively easy to vaccinate this population. While some regions have started reporting that vaccinations for dialysis patients are underway, there does not appear to be a systematic approach in place for this group.

According to the Ontario Renal Network, there have been over 600 reported cases of COVID-19 among dialysis patients, which translates into an infection rate of approximately five percent. More staggering is the low survival rate.

We will continue to seek opportunities to engage with decisions makers to ensure that dialysis patients are immunized as quickly as possible.

Have your voice heard! Connect with your local MPP and ask for their support in moving this important issue forward. 

COVID – 19 Webinars In partnership with the Canadian Society of Nephrology, a webinar entitled COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Dialysis Patients took place on February 10. The details will also soon be available about a COVID-19 vaccine webinar specifically for transplant patients.

Watch our webinar page for registration information or to access the recording of the Vaccine Information for dialysis patients webinar. https://kidney.ca/Support/ Resources/Webinars kidney.ca

African-Caribbean Kidney Association 1-800-387-4474 president@acka.ca 1-800-387-4474 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 • 289-344-0813 shukyu.fong@kidney.ca

Durham Region 1-800-387-4474 Eastern Ontario 1-800-387-4474 •613-724-9953 suzanne.laniel@kidney.ca Hamilton & District 1-800-387-4474 julie.bertoia@kidney.ca Kingston 1-800-387-4474 • 613-542-2121 katie.kyte@kidney.ca London & District 1-800-387-4474 • 519-9505362 rizwana.ramzanali@kidney.ca Niagara & District 1-800-387-4474 julie.bertoia@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 erika.muscat@kidney.ca

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Spring 2021 / Kidney Living / 17

FUNDRAISING FUNDRAISING

Hot Sauce Challenge Raise funds your way, any way

Friends Andrew Bain and JD Power turned a challenge, or some might say a double dare among friends, into a community fundraiser last spring in support of The Kidney Foundation.

18 / Kidney Living / Spring 2021

kidney.ca

“W

e’re always tossing around fun ideas to support worthy causes and the idea for this challenge came from a simple comment I made about eating something spicy,” recalled JD. A quick retort from his buddy Andrew, that the food he was eating “couldn’t be that hot,” set the wheels in motion for a high stakes—or rather hot stakes—contest.

The Kidney Foundation’s personal fundraising pages made collecting donations a breeze. The pair set up a page with details about the challenge, and shared the donation page link with family, friends and colleagues.

On May 21, the Hot Sauce Challenge streamed live on Facebook.

As the donations poured in, the competition got hot! “I was sweating just thinking about it,” shared Andrew. Complete with friendly chirps and challenges, the pair lived to tell the tale. In all, the duo raised over $3,600 while tasting 12 hot sauces with wings supplied from local restaurants and pubs with a varying degree of heat.

“It really was an easy way to gain some attention for the cause and raise some funds for the charity,” added JD. Kidney Foundation Senior Development Manager, Elaine Hayter was amazed at the enthusiasm and engagement online. “It became more than what we imagined,” she shared. “Friends, community members and supporters joined the event online and became part of the event, laying down their own challenges for more donations.” 

FUNDRAISING

Calling all homegrown heroes!

It’s time to unleash your superpowers, your creativity, your imagination, your determination, your zaniness, your grit and fundraise your way to support Canadians living with kidney disease.

As Spiderman once said, “with great power, comes great responsibility.” So, think big, think small, think safe, think of ALL the incredible support we can give to kidney patients and their families!

The Kidney Foundation’s personal fundraising pages make fundraising a breeze.

Join our group and set up a HOMEGROWN HERO personal fundraising page today.

There’s an easy and fun way to make a difference from the comfort of your own home, backyard, balcony, living room, garage or batcave so get ready to challenge yourself…

• Play the ukulele.

• Hula hoop your way into the record books.

• Run a marathon in your backyard.

We can’t wait to see what you’ve come up with and we know it will be truly aweinspiring!

Visit www.kidney.ca/fundraiseonline

StoryBlocks.com

kidney.ca

Spring 2021 / Kidney Living / 19

FOOD AND NUTRITION

Good for the Kidneys and the Budget Tips for kidney-friendly eating while saving time and money

by Dani Renouf, RD, MSc, CDE

S

ince the beginning of COVID-19 a year go, food prices have risen more than ever before. According to Canada’s Food Price Report 2021, more cost increases are predicted, whereby annual food expenditure could go up by as much as $695 compared to 2020.

Although most of us are eating at home, thereby saving money as compared to the bills we paid for restaurant food, budget considerations still matter, especially for those of us who are already trying to juggle a household on a low income.

I hope that the following suggestions will help to manage the budget when planning trips to the grocery store or ordering groceries online.

Here are my top three tips for kidney-friendly eating on a time and money budget:

1

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20 / Kidney Living / Spring 2021

Plan ahead and batch cook Choose recipes first, then make a grocery list of items based on the recipe you are planning.

Now that many flyers are online to review, you can plan your grocery store trip by visiting the store’s website, finding out what weekly specials are offered, and then going to the store with a grocery list that will save you time and money. You can also order your groceries online, then choose to pick them up rather than having them delivered to your home, as this will reduce the cost of delivery.

For recipes that are easy and contain fewer ingredients, the Kidney Community Kitchen offers a variety of options for you to get started. Many of the dishes can be cooked in batches, so you can use fewer ingredients and stretch the meals out over a few weeks or months by freezing the leftovers right away.

Choose one day of the week when you stew a pot of something or bake a dish, which can be portioned out kidney.ca

FOOD AND NUTRITION into airtight containers and frozen for later use. If you are “cooking for one,” try portioning out the protein, starch and vegetables into one container and freeze the leftovers. The meal looks like a TV dinner, but it’s made from scratch, so low in sodium and virtually free of other additives. Reheating takes only minutes on a busy day—a win for the budget, time and health.

2

Go meatless Recipes that include plant-based proteins such as beans, lentils or tofu are often more cost-effective than recipes that call for animal-based proteins. The good news is that plant proteins are found to benefit overall health for the kidneys so choosing these will help your health and your grocery bill.

Vegetarian proteins from beans and lentils have a better effect on kidney health when compared to meats, so including vegetarian meals in your diet one to two times a week helps to meet protein needs, offers more fibre, and keeps the budget in check. Batch cooking beans and freezing them for later use is a great time-saving tip, as beans make for great stand-alone proteins or additions to soups or salads for those busy days.

Note: Some dried beans and seeds are high in potassium. Check with your dietitian to find out if these are good choices for you.

3

Choose frozen and dried bulk foods Although buying fresh fruits and vegetables in season adds great flavour and nutrition to meals, the colder months present a great opportunity to choose frozen fruits and vegetables, which are usually picked in season and frozen straight away. This means that they offer great nutrition, but at a better price. Frozen vegetables can be quickly added to salads and soups, or heated up in minutes for a time-saving burst of flavour and vitamins. Multiple uses of the same ingredient also help to save costs.

Dried bulk foods such as beans, oats, rice, seeds and salt-free spices can be stored in airtight containers for up to one year, so not only do they have a long shelf life, they also cost fractions less because of the absence of packaging. Grains and beans add great nutrition to everyday meals as a source of protein, fibre and vitamins.

Once cooked, beans and grains can be frozen for later use, thereby saving time but without compromising nutrition.

Although these are challenging times, I hope that we can continue to find creative ways to look after our nutrition and stay motivated to try new ways of enjoying our meals. 

RECIPES & INFO TO HELP YOU MANAGE YOUR RENAL DIET

KIDNEYCOMMUNITYKITCHEN.CA kidney.ca

Spring 2021 / Kidney Living / 21

FOOD AND NUTRITION

Plant-based Bean Bourguignon

Unsplash.com/TijanaDrndarski

Chef Kris Gaudet Ingredients 1 can (425g) black beans, canned, no salt added, drained 4 medium Spanish onions, diced ¼ cup cannellini beans, drained 3 cups vegetable stock, no salt added 1 carrot, medium diced 20g parsley, roughly chopped 1 tbsp garlic, fresh, minced ½ tsp black pepper 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp smoked paprika 4 tbsp flour, all purpose 3 sprigs thyme, fresh Optional: 1/3 c red wine (non-alcoholic or regular)

Nutrient Analysis Calories: 214.7 Kcal Protein: 8.6 g Carbohydrates: 42.3 g Fibre: 8.8 g Total Fat: 4.2 g Sodium: 201.2 mg Phosphorus: 73.39 mg Potassium: 676.42 mg

Renal Diet Nutrient Analysis Servings per recipe: 4 Serving size: 1/4 of the full recipe Renal and Diabetic Exchanges 1 protein choice 2.8 carb choices 3 vegetable choices

22 / Kidney Living / Spring 2021

Directions 1. Add oil to pot, or Dutch oven.

2. Add onions to the pan and cook until lightly browned. Stir in the carrots and garlic and sauté.

3. Add the pepper, thyme, smoked paprika and flour.

4. Deglaze the pan with some of the vegetable stock or optional wine, if you prefer.

5. Add the remaining vegetable stock, turn to medium-high, stir until thickened. Reduce heat. Scrape the bottom when stirring to remove all the pieces on the bottom of the pot.

6. Add the beans. Simmer until the carrots are cooked, approximately 30 minutes. Keep pot uncovered on simmer.

7. Garnish with parsley.

8. Enjoy!

Chef’s Tips: • Add plenty of aromatics, such as thyme and rosemary, to boost the flavours of this classical French stew.

• Deglazing means to remove and dissolve browned food residue from a pan to flavour sauces, soups and gravies. By adding a liquid to a hot pan, all of the food residue will lift up, giving your dish added flavour.

• Red wine can be added instead of water or stock for extra flavour.

The alcohol will cook, therefore the flavour is the only thing that remains.

• When adding the thyme, wait 10 minutes or so, and you can pick out the stems and the leaves will remain in the stew. 

kidney.ca

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Kidney 5050 WIN BIG AND SUPPORT THE KIDNEY FOUNDATION 2021 Draws Draw 2 Launches April 5 - Grand Prize Draw May 11 Draw 3 Launches June 24 - Grand Prize Draw July 29 Draw 4 Launches September 1 - Grand Prize Draw October 6 Draw 5 Launches November 16 - Grand Prize Draw December 21

Kidney5050.ca Notice Ontario Branch Annual General Meeting Saturday, May 1, 2021 10:30am, Mississauga For further information contact Carol Kostoff 1.800.387.4474 ext. 4972 THIS WILL BE A VIRTUAL MEETING kidney.ca

Spring 2021 / Kidney Living / 23

STRENGTH • HOPE • COURAGE Get behind the one you love by participating in the Kidney Walk.

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Postmaster: Please return undeliverable Canadian addresses to The Kidney Foundation of Canada, 1599 Hurontario St., Ste. 201, Mississauga, ON L5G 4S1