Kidney News Winter 2020

KIDNEY NEWS

Kidney News - Winter 2020 Volume 21 Issue 2

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Volume 21, Issue 2 | Winter 2020

HAPPY HOLIDAYS KIDNEY FAMILY!

Greeting from Teresa Atkinson, President, BC and Yukon Branch 2020 has been a crazy, scary year of adapting and learning to cope with our ever-changing world. Of course, it has not been without some costs at the Branch but overall, we have come through looking good and feeling stronger for having survived this year. The BC & Yukon Branch has transitioned well to working from home and things have been busier than ever with many new volunteer opportunities created and even more to watch for in 2021.

Our community events like Kidney Walk were turned into virtual experiences and thanks to you, our kidney family of patients and volunteers who stepped up like never before to participate and raise funds, we were able to continue to deliver our services to patients who needed us most. Services like short term financial assistance, living organ donor expense reimbursement program (LODERP), Kidney Suites and Condo, and northern travel to name a few. The exception was of course Kidney Kid’s Camp, which was cancelled to keep them safe.

Although this year has been extremely tough for us all, there have been many silver linings coming through for me. Things like doctor visits and prescription refills becoming easier and more efficient; since we are able to speak to doctors via telephone or through video calls. Even if one had to go into a clinic, everyone was pre-screened. Monthly bloodwork became even safer with the enhanced cleaning routines. Learning how to shop online was a biggie. It not only saved me time but also saved dollars with the reduction of impulse buying and • Kidney Marchers Rally in Face of Unpredictable Times the ability to easily edit my cart before purchasing. Curbside pick-up has also been • Cycling While Dialyzing a great service that has grown out of necessity this year. With all meetings being • Find Kidney Mask Symbols and held virtually, I’ve saved on travel costs and time. This allowed me to participate in Win! many more volunteer, patient partner and other activities. Finally, but probably most • Virtual Kidney Gala important for me this year, I have actually spent time on self-reflection and thinking • National Award Recipients about what is important to me. No, I don’t have it all figured out, but I have improved • Holiday Recipe - Cranberry Torte my planning skills resulting in a more balanced life. How many silver linings come to • and more! mind for you?

IN THIS ISSUE

However, with winter looming and the case numbers rising, mental health is top of mind for everyone but especially our kidney population. I think this has been one of the hardest parts for me and I have my hubby and other virtual activities I’m involved in. If you need immediate support please call a help line, but if you’d just like to have a warm and friendly conversation with one of our volunteers please reach out to our Kidney Community Calls at 1-800-567-8112 or email marie.hesse@kidney.ca Personally, I am looking forward to 2021, with the hope that we will be able to solve the COVID-19 issue. I believe we will be better for what we have endured this year and I don’t know about you, but I simply can’t wait to celebrate the day when we get to hug friends and family tight again.

May you and yours have a safe and healthy virtual holiday season!

Sincerely Teresa Atkinson

The Kidney Foundation of Canada BC & Yukon Branch 200 – 4940 Canada Way Burnaby, BC V5G 4K6 Phone Toll Free: 1-800-567-8112 Fax Toll Free: 1-800-667-8871 kidney.ca

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KIDNEY MARCHERS FROM NORTHERN BC RALLY IN FACE OF UNPREDICTABLE TIMES Maureen Paciekewski is the captain of Kidney March Team, Northern I-B-Pro-Fun FREE, based in Prince George, BC. This team, comprised of renal health workers, was gearing up to participate in Kidney Walk for the first time when the pandemic hit. Kidney News spoke to Maureen about her experience.

Kidney News: What was the catalyst for you personally getting involved with Kidney March? Was 2020 your first year participating?

Maureen Paciejewski: 2020 was our first Kidney March! I had recently retired, having spent over 30 years of my nursing career in Renal Services. When I saw the opportunity to march through the mountains plus support a community that had provided my gratifying career – I was hooked!

KN: What led to the creation of Team Northern I-B-Pro-Fun Free?

Some members of Team Northern I-B-Pro-Fun Free

MP: Some of our renal team were interested but concerned about the financial commitment so I signed up as an individual, thinking I could join a team later if I needed to. Well, that got the ball rolling and suddenly interest was sparked. I volunteered to be the team captain seeing as I had the most time! Staff in nursing, social work, dietetics and even spouses were keen to join!

KN: What does Kidney March mean to you?

MP: The March gives us a way express our support to the kidney patients and their families. We are not just employees or health care providers – the patient stories we hear and witness affect us too! We experience patients’ fears, anguish, joy and sadness as we follow them through their illness trajectory.

KN: How did the move to a virtual format impact your fundraising and your overall Kidney March experience?

KIDNEY MARCH 2020 KNOCKS IT OUT OF THE PARK! Kidney Marchers raised an astounding $1,075,060 and counting to fund lifesaving research, improve patient outcomes, support patient programs and organ donation initiatives. This is the second highest amount ever raised in Kidney March history! Despite the challenges of COVID-19 and having to change to a virtual and community-based event held over two months, nothing stopped our Kidney Marchers from meeting their goal.

A huge shout out to BC and Yukon teams. Team BeCauseYuKan raised $33,261.50 and Team Northern I-BPro-Fun FREE raised $18,620.60 with funds still coming in! Many other participants and donors from BC and The Yukon contributed to this fantastic result. Thank you!

Registration is now open for Kidney March 2021 happening September 10 to 12. www.kidneymarch.ca

MP: We had one significant fundraising event planned for each month leading up to the March. We were on a roll!! COVID-19 really got us down because all our fundraising was cancelled. It was devastating! Also, we had been looking forward to the road trip and walking the 100 KM in Kananaskis Country. We lost our focus for a bit, but we managed to pull ourselves back together.

KN: What would you say to other renal health care providers who may be interested in joining the 2021 Kidney March?

MP: Join a team if you can. Despite our fundraising events being cancelled, we still had success. Although we had looked forward to walking in the mountains, our local walk was so fun! Getting to know colleagues, their families and partners was so enriching.

Supporting each other in our efforts and seeing our successes in fundraising was very rewarding.

KN: Anything else you would like to add?

MP: There’s always more room on our team! Go online to join.

See ya’ll next year!!

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CYCLING WHILE DIALYZING

By Tamara Graham Dialysis treatments take up time and energy, so you can imagine the challenges that end stage renal patients face when it comes to exercise. Did you know that more and more patients have access to mini stationary bikes at dialysis facilities? In fact, cycling is becoming an increasingly popular activity for kidney patients who can incorporate activity into their hemodialysis sessions. Often referred to as intradialytic exercise, low-intensity training during dialysis is proving to offer patients many benefits including improvements in energy, strength, flexibility, sleep, and mental well-being. Research shows it can improve dialysis efficiency by positively impacting blood sugar and blood pressure levels, removing fluid, clearing creatinine and toxins, and by decreasing leg cramps.

In the Island Health Region, the Intradialytic Exercise Program kicked off in April of 2019 at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and the Duncan Community Dialysis Unit with 16 bicycles funded through the BC Renal Agency. The pilot project stemmed from a presentation by a Calgary medical team and was modelled after similar programs in Canada and other parts of the world.

The idea was that patients could stay active while seated in a chair during hemodialysis treatments, pedaling on the mini cyclers and setting goals for distance, speed, and resistance. Some patients in Duncan initially aspired to cycle the almost 450-kilometer distance that would represent Victoria to Cape Scott; then, after surpassing that fairly easily, some went on to set their sights on a virtual cross-Canada tour!

how fast and how far they are going simply by looking down at the display screen. At a comfortable pace and with the ability to adjust their resistance, beginners can pedal up to 30 minutes, intermediate cyclists could go up to 60 minutes, and advanced cyclists may pedal over 60 minutes.

Before commencing a cycling program during hemodialysis, every patient needs to receive approval from their nephrologist. Certain heart conditions, symptomatic hypoglycemia, shortness of breath at rest, and potassium consistently greater than 6.5 are some factors that may impact suitability for the Intradialytic Exercise Program.

Patients with diabetes need to have their blood sugars checked before cycling and for 24 hours after, especially those on insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, to ensure it doesn’t go too low. Sometimes a snack containing 15 grams of carbohydrates may be recommended before pedaling. Hanus says nurses ensure that cycling takes place in the first half of the treatment so that blood sugar and blood pressure can be monitored accordingly.

As cycling becomes more popular amongst hemodialysis patients, perhaps more facilities will consider obtaining the mini stationary bikes and offering programs like the Intradialytic Exercise Program. One recent study by the American Kidney Fund showed that only 30 percent of dialysis facilities in Canada offer an exercise training program to patients.

Hopefully that number will increase as studies continue to highlight the benefits of exercise training while Registered Nurse, Brenda Hanus, dialyzing and as patients continue to works at the Nanaimo Community show interest. For those who wish Sharon Waurynchuk at Penticton Regional Hospital Dialysis Facility where the Intradialytic to give it try, approval from your Exercise Program got underway approximately a year ago nephrologist is required; however, the dialysis nurses can with two mini cycling units. She states that patients must be help initiate the process by faxing your doctor. seated and wear shoes, and that both nurses and patients This article is dedicated to the memory of Lois Cossar. need to be conscious of movements that could potentially A positive role model and pioneer of the “Renal Rider� disturb fistulas and catheters. Meantime, patients can see program in Duncan, BC.

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SPECIAL EDITION KIDNEY MASKS BENEFIT COVID-19 RESPONSE

Earlier this year, BC Renal stepped in to support kidney patients and our COVID-19 response through a unique collaboration – selling limited-edition, one-of-a-kind face masks with all proceeds going to our Branch! Our COVID-19 response addresses the immediate needs of kidney patients impacted by the pandemic and encompasses physical, mental and financial well-being.

You can purchase a mask now at www.kidneyresponsefundbcy.ca or win one today (see next story)!

Find Kidney Mask Symbols and Win!

There are three hidden symbols placed somewhere in this issue of Kidney News. Find them all and let us know the page and location (Email: michelle.mentore@kidney.ca. Subject Line: Kidney Mask Contest). We’ll draw two names on January 15, 2021 and the winners will be sent their own kidney mask. Each symbol on the mask represents something meaningful pertaining to kidney disease, kidney research, and of course – kidney patients.

The symbols incorporated into the mask design are: • Kidneys

• Molecules

• Veins

• Bandages

• Blood Pressure Sleeve

• Sun - to represent kidney patients’ vitality

• Ribbon

• Moon - to represent nocturnal dialysis

• Red Blood Cells

• Leaves - to represent palliative care

• White Blood Cells

• DNA

• Medications

• Apple - to represent a healthy diet

• Heartbeat

• Shield - to represent the immune system

• Water Drops

• Hearts - to represent care for kidney patients and their caregivers

• Patient Chart

• Inspirational slogans

• Wings and halos - to represent our beloved Health Care Practitioners, their work on the frontline, and patients who have passed away from kidney disease

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THE VIRTUAL KIDNEY GALA IS COMING YOUR WAY! We invite you to join us from the comfort of your home on March 13, 2021 as we go virtual to raise funds and awareness of kidney disease, risk factors and organ donation. The theme for the 9th Annual Kidney Gala – A Bright Future – will instill hope by highlighting the empowering impact of technology on keeping our communities connected, to support health and well-being for all. Elements of retrofuturism will be incorporated into the theme to play on this in a fun, engaging manner for guests!

At Kidney Gala, experience our unique, innovative, and as always, inspirational program as it’s broadcast live from studio directly into your home and hosted again by Vancouver’s “Man About Town”, Fred Lee (CBC, The Province and Vancouver magazine contributor).

Not sure what to expect? Think “Virtual Live Telethon.”

Kidney Gala will still feature an online silent auction, entertainment, inspiring speakers, and door prizes. The livestream link will be sent to ticket holders before the event.

Date & Time: Saturday, March 13, 2021, 6:30 – 7:30PM Returning Host: Fred Lee Keynote Speakers: Grand Chief Stewart Phillip and Joan Phillip Location: Virtual! The link to be sent to ticket holders prior to event

Ticketing Information

Our Virtual Access Pass ($100 donation) is available nationwide! With it you will receive exclusive access to the live studio broadcast, online auction (opens one week prior to event), entry to our door prize draw and social media contests, as well as a special edition Kidney Gala mask and tax receipt for the full donation amount.

Lower Mainland households can treat themselves (and/ or someone they love) to a luxe night in with one of three carefully curated Gala at Home Experiences featuring gourmet food from catering sponsor, Emelle’s Catering, and exquisitely crafted wines from wine sponsor, Mission Hill Family Estate. Consider giving a truly unique holiday gift to someone you love this year, and support the kidney community to boot!

Packages

Virtual Access Pass: $100 Gala at Home Experience: $350 Enhanced Gala at Home Experience: $600 VIP Gala at Home Experience: $1,000 Visit www.kidneygala.com to learn more about benefits associated at each level and to purchase your tickets today!

Please contact ramya.hosak@kidney.ca if you have any questions about this sure-to-be-fabulous event!

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CONGRATULATIONS TO NATIONAL AWARD RECIPIENTS Three BC residents were honoured earlier this year with National Kidney Foundation Awards.

THE DAVID ORNSTEIN DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD – PRESENTED TO DIANE DUPERRON Anyone who knows Diane, knows her level of passion and commitment to The Kidney Foundation, particularly at the grassroots level. Diane and her late husband Paul have been involved with The Kidney Foundation since before Paul was diagnosed with kidney disease in 1985. Diane and Paul were an unstoppable team and together they resurrected the Prince George Chapter in 2006, building it into the strong and thriving chapter that it is today. They led the Prince George Walk since the beginning (in 2008) and raised thousands of dollars, braving the Prince George cold year after year. They participated in the Foundation’s signature March Drive door to door campaign, again raising thousands of dollars. They spent countless hours over the years visiting hundreds of dialysis patients in Prince Diane Duperron and late husband, Paul George, bringing cookies to the hospital, providing comfort and encouragement, and establishing lifelong relationships and support systems. Diane also organized and manned kidney information displays at numerous events throughout Prince George to promote awareness of kidney disease and the need for organ donation. She hosted social events such as the summer picnic and Christmas luncheon, which served to further bring the kidney community in Prince George together. In 2014, Diane joined the Branch Board of Directors and served as a Regional Director for the North for many years. Outside the Kidney Foundation, Diane has been involved with Can-SOLVE CKD Network, making many contributions to kidney health research, and both she and Paul, despite his health challenges, devoted time and energy to do what they could to improve the quality of life for other patients. Diane is truly legendary within the Foundation family for her outstanding commitment to improving the health of those living with kidney disease. Congratulations Diane on this well-deserved recognition as the recipient of the David Ornstein Distinguished Service Award.

The late David Ornstein was a founding member of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. This award is given to an individual volunteer meriting special recognition for their work toward the significant growth, development or increased public recognition of The Kidney Foundation of Canada in a specific region at the Branch level.

THE BRESINGER AWARD – PRESENTED TO PIA SCHINDLER

Pia has always been an outstanding leader at the BC & Yukon Branch. First as the Director of Philanthropy and for over four years as Executive Director. She is also a major player at the Kidney Foundation’s Senior Management Forum. Her passion aligns with the Foundation’s Vision and Mission and she is adept at anticipating changes needed for the Branch to thrive in the competitive charity environment which includes changing demographics, resource constraints and the changing nature of work. Pia thinks strategically but implements tactically.

She’s able to see the big picture and also implement plans effectively in “bite-size morsels” to move the Branch forward. Pia’s commitment has spread through the Branch as evidenced by innovative programs, services and initiatives created and implemented by branch staff (E.g.

PLUGGED IN show, Kidney Suites, Kidney Condo, and partnerships with various health entities such as BC Renal, Can-SOLVE CKD Network, and BC Transplant).

Great not for profit leaders can fundraise with the best of them, negotiate contracts and manage complex budgets. They have a strong network of contacts in the community and they attract people to the mission. Pia is an outstanding leader and manager for which the BC & Yukon Branch and those it serves are most appreciative.

The Bresinger Award is presented for outstanding service and dedication to the Mission and goals of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. This award is presented to a staff member whose outstanding effort and performance over a number of years has had an impact which has affected the Foundation on a national basis, and has made a significant contribution to the growth and development of the Foundation as a whole.

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ORGAN DONATION & TRANSPLANTATION AWARD – PRESENTED TO DR. JAG GILL

Dr. Jag Gill’s passion is focused on kidney transplantation and his research interests are in transplant epidemiology and database analyses, examining access to transplantation, expansion of organ donation, and the impact of donor status on post-transplant health outcomes. Dr. Gill started his journey as a graduate of Medicine at the University of BC (UBC) in 2001 and completed his post-graduate training in Internal Medicine and Nephrology at UBC in 2006. From there, Dr. Gill completed a post-doctoral fellowship in kidney transplantation at the University of California, Los Angeles as part of the Kidney Foundation’s KRESCENT program. To top it off, he went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Public Health from Harvard University.

We are fortunate Dr. Gill returned to Vancouver in 2008. He has been on staff at St. Paul’s Hospital ever since. He is the Medical Director of the Kidney transplant program at St. Paul’s hospital and also an Associate Professor at UBC Division of Nephrology.

Dr. Gill has collaborated with the BC & Yukon Branch over the years. Whenever the opportunity arose to raise awareness of organ donation and kidney disease, Dr. Gill stepped up, acting as media spokesperson on behalf of Kidney Foundation on local TV stations and particularly on South Asian radio stations. He also agreed to be featured in an article in the prominent South Asian magazine, Drishti Magazine. Most recently, Dr. Gill cohosted the inaugural South Asian Starry Night Benefit helping to bring together community leaders to raise funds and to start important discussions about organ donation. We are proud to call Dr. Jag Gill one of BC’s own. Congratulations Dr. Jag on being the very worthy recipient of the Kidney Foundation’s Organ Donation & Transplantation Award.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada Organ Donation & Transplantation Award is presented to an individual, group or organization that merits special recognition for outstanding contribution to organ donation or transplantation.

NEWS IN BRIEF The Kidney Walk Website is now Live!

Kidney Walk is slated to go virtual and reach participants where they are on June 6, 2021. Show STRENGTH, HOPE & COURAGE by registering today for the Walks in BC and The Yukon.

Annual Leadership Meeting Goes Virtual

Last November, BC and Yukon Branch Board of Directors, Chapter executive, Chapter volunteers and Branch staff came together in Richmond for the annual Leadership Weekend.

This year due to COVID-19, no in-person meetings were held so the Leadership Weekend, like so many other Kidney Foundation events, went virtual. Despite the new format, the two days still packed a lot of punch with a full agenda and lots of energy, information sharing and good discussions.

The Board met first on Friday, November 1. Saturday’s session opened with Dr. Mike Bevilacqua, Nephrologist with Fraser Health and Medical Advisor to the Branch Board of Directors. He provided a “state of the nation COVID-19 overview” and spoke on how the pandemic has impacted kidney patients. Director of Programs, Heather Johnson, then gave an update on the status of programs and services during the pandemic. Board President, Teresa Atkinson, led a session about Branch membership and how to grow

our kidney community. Staff then delivered updates on key events and initiatives with time for Q & A. The last hour was dedicated to a volunteer round table where Chapter leaders shared updates and activity highlights from their respective communities. Among the many updates, volunteers shared their inventive fundraising achievements and innovations during these COVID times. They also spoke about how they are coping. The morning concluded with a photo montage to thank all volunteers for their extraordinary efforts and dedication over the past year, stepping up like never before to support of kidney patients.

Watch the Volunteer Thank You Montage.

Call for Nominations

The BC & Yukon Branch Nominating Committee of The Kidney Foundation of Canada is beginning the recruitment for the 2021-2022 Board of Directors. For a position description, terms of reference and more information, please contact Anne Schultz, Nominations Chair at a.aschultz@shaw.ca The deadline for applications is January 31, 2021.

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Surveying the Kidney Community Communication is a two-way street. In addition to sharing updates and stories with our kidney community, it is equally important to hear from you and to find out how patients and those who support patients are doing. This is important at any time, but especially now during a time of so much change and uncertainty.

To help us better understand the needs of those we serve, the Branch sent out a survey recently asking how COVID-19 has impacted patient and caregivers lives; how our community is coping and accessing services; and what resources/tools are needed. We had a phenomenal response with 851 completed surveys from kidney patients, caregivers and health care professionals. This data will help inform current and future programs.

Here are a few highlights.

Patients and caregivers responded that post COVID-19 they: • are coping, but there is a significant increase in stress and worry for family and friends.

• feel less safe accessing care for themselves/loved ones but do embrace virtual care medical appointments.

• feel isolated at times with a need for more connection and peer support.

• expressed a strong desire for continued access to customized kidney information via online resources and tools.

Year in Review for Kidney PLUGGED IN In January 2020, our kidney health show, Kidney PLUGGED IN, celebrated its 100th episode! Hosts, former guests, BC & Yukon staff and Board members, show sponsors, sports personalities and even paparazzi gathering together to commemorate this milestone. Watch this episode.

Everything changed in March and Kidney PLUGGED IN pivoted to support kidney patients. “We Got you Covered for COVID” was born. This series of 13 short informational videos were aimed to help kidney patients, and really everyone, navigate through this unprecedented time. You can still watch all the videos today in English or Mandarin to learn tips and tricks on staying physically, emotionally and mentally well.

Special episodes with Chief Michael Recalma, and a series of research episodes featuring interviews with experts Dr. Caroline Lamarche, Dr. Peter Nickerson and Dr. James Lan (produced in English and Mandarin) were also highlights of 2020. Visit https://www.youtube.com/c/kidneypluggedin to find your favourite episodes!

In 2021, we look forward to continuing to produce fun and informative shows for Shaw TV, Shaw Multicultural Channel, YouTube and you!

Although the community celebrations for Kidney Walk had to be cancelled in 2020, the BC & Yukon Branch (and other branches across the nation) moved to a virtual event. PLUGGED IN was there to help, producing “Walk Like Nobody’s Watching” promotional videos. The Kidney PLUGGEDIN IN team also provided full editing services for the Kidney Walk’s main event – Walk the Block – on June 7, 2020.

If you have questions or comments on Kidney PLUGGED IN, please contact, Barbara Valentine, Senior Manager, Marketing and Promotions and Executive Producer, Kidney PLUGGED IN at barbara.valentine@kidney.ca.

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Can-SOLVE Project Profile: Reducing the Pill Burden for Dialysis Patients MEDICATION CAN SAVE LIVES – BUT IT SHOULD BE TAKEN ONLY WHEN NECESSARY.

One 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% 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.”

Original article published in Can-SOLVE CKD Network’s Perspectives November 2020.

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Interested in Helping Produce Kidney News?

Kidney News – this publication - is currently produced twice a year. We seek to reach out to kidney patients, caregivers, family members, donors and health care professionals, providing them with interesting news, patient profiles, fun activities and more.

We intended to be a true community publication, embraced by all with input from our volunteers. If you would like to be one of those volunteers and help shape the direction and content Kidney News, please consider becoming a member of our new Kidney News editorial board. Click the link to view the Terms of Reference. Interested candidates please email Deborah Tucker (deborah.tucker@kidney.ca) and include a brief expression of interest.

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FRESH CRANBERRY TORTE RECIPE

The holiday season, or as some call it, eating season, is fast-approaching. To help you navigate this season and be mindful of renal nutrition, we have a delicious recipe for cranberry torte from Kidney Community Kitchen: www.kidneycommunitykitchen. ca/kkcookbook/recipes/fresh-cranberry-torte/

Fresh Cranberry Torte INGREDIENTS

Cranberry Glaze

• 1 ½ cup graham cracker crumbs

• ¼ cup Splenda sweetener

• ¼ cup chopped, unsalted pecans

• ¼ cup white granulated sugar

• 1 ¾ cup Splenda sweetener

• 1 Tbsp cornstarch

• ½ cup unsalted, non-hydrogenated margarine, melted

• ¾ cup fresh cranberries

• 1 ½ cup ground fresh cranberries

• ¾ cup water

• 2 egg whites • 1 Tbsp frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1L Light Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed

METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 375 °F. 2. Combine the cracker crumbs, pecans, and ¾ cup of Splenda. Add the margarine, mix well, and press into the bottom and sides of an 8-inch springform pan. Bake the crust for 6 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool.

3. Combine the berries and remaining 1 cup of Splenda. Let stand for 5 minutes. Add the egg whites, apple juice, and vanilla. Beat on low speed until frothy. Then beat on high speed for 5 to 8 minutes, or until stiff peaks form.

4. Whip Cool Whip into the cranberry mixture. Pour the mixture into the prepared crust. Freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.

5. To make the glaze, stir together the sugar, Splenda and cornstarch in a saucepan. Stir in the cranberries and water. Cook and stir until bubbly. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, just until the cranberry skins pop. Cook to room temperature.

Do not chill, or the sauce may crystallize and become cloudy.

6. Remove the torte from the pan, place on a serving plate, and spoon the glaze on top.

THE KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF CANADA The Kidney Foundation of Canada is the national volunteer organization committed to reducing the burden of kidney disease through funding and stimulating innovative research, providing education and support, promoting access to high quality healthcare, and increasing public awareness of and commitment to advancing kidney health and organ donation. Please visit www.kidney.ca for more information. The information in this publication is not intended to be a treatment guide. For specific information, please consult your physician.

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