A Lifetime of Service

A volunteer experience turned into a career

by Trish Reynolds

Elaine Hayter accompanied her mom, May, to a Kidney Foundation volunteer celebration back in 1986, never imagining how that one moment in time, would profoundly shape her life.

q The Hayter family

Photo credit: Lorrie Williams “ I t was local volunteer recognition event,” Elaine recalls. “Mom had kidney disease and was on dialysis at the time. She was a volunteer with the local chapter of The Kidney Foundation. She invited me to join her at the volunteer awards ceremony, and the rest as they say, is history.”

It wasn’t long after that first introduction to the Foundation that Elaine was recruited to volunteer. She joined the Board of Directors and later became the VP of Fundraising. Those were the days of the March Drive canvass and the Fall Campaign peanut and candy drive. Fundraising and volunteering came naturally to Elaine. She had years of experience managing a nursery school which often included fundraising with families and organizing events.

Five years later, in 1991, when the Chapter Board determined it needed a dedicated staff person, Elaine officially began her career with The Kidney Foundation. Now over 30 years later, with retirement on the horizon in June, she looks back on her journey.

Kidney disease has had a profound impact on Elaine and her family with multiple generations impacted by a hereditary form of kidney disease. Elaine herself was diagnosed back in 1981 and started dialysis for the first time in 1986. “My grandfather passed in his 30s from kidney disease; my mom, my uncle, two of my sisters, my brother, my daughter and many cousins have all been affected by kidney disease,” said Elaine.

Back in 1986 when Elaine was first on dialysis, the only option available in Sarnia was the self-care unit. Patients travelled to the regional centre in London for primary care. They were trained in London and they could move to Sarnia if space was available and only if they could manage their dialysis themselves. “When I look back on some of the biggest changes, I think one of our many accomplishments was working with Bluewater Health to make sure the new hospital had a dialysis unit when it opened in 2010.”

Elaine has been blessed with two kidney transplants, and she is currently back on dialysis. She is an outspoken advocate for the impact of organ donation and a driving force in advocating for those living with kidney disease.

There is strength in numbers, and community support in Sarnia is strong, thanks to the many relationships that Elaine has forged over the years. “I think being able to pull people together for a common goal, whether it is committee work for an event, or another activity is Spring 2022 / Kidney Living / 15

so valuable,” said Elaine.

Whether it was for walks, golf, Christmas parties or even pasta fest, Elaine has always been keen to bring together volunteer committees who work hard to meet the local goals. Without missing a beat, Elaine is quick to share how much fun working on the Celebrity Men event has been. “Inviting people who have never been involved to participate in such a fun event, and contribute to our success, is amazing. So many of the models have never been a part of any Kidney Foundation event and through their volunteer contributions they become part of our kidney family,” she added.

“Working with our volunteers has certainly been a highlight of my time here at The Foundation,” said Elaine. “I stay positive and energized by feeding off the energy of our volunteers and including more than a little fun in everything we do.”

With retirement on the horizon, one might think Elaine will have time to put her feet up. Those that know her well, know that it simply means she has more time to do other things. You will likely find Elaine out on the golf course or hanging at one of her favourite lunch spots. “I honestly can’t say enough about the many friendships I’ve made over the years; I’ve worked with some great people, met some incredible patients, had a lot of laughs.”

“My husband John, my girls Joanna, Sarah and Nikki—not to mention so many of their friends—have stepped up to help at every event. They’ve really been so supportive, and I couldn’t have done it without them.” 

p Elaine Hayter

Photo credit: Lorrie Williams

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