Kidney News & Views - Fall 2011

News & Vie Kidney News & Views Northern Alberta & The Territories Branch Fall 2011 Issue

Recycle For A Great Cause Programs & Services Drink Beer SHABAM Fun Run & Walk

Awarenes KidneyOrgan donation saves lives 73% of people waiting

Programs & Servi

www.kidney.ab.ca Call 1-800-461-9063

News & Views in this issue...

Programs and Services Recycle For A Great Cause Door To Door Campaign Kidney Friendly Recipe Reduce The Risk of Kidney Stones SHABAM Red Deer and District Updates Research News Kidney Stories Volunteers

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Privacy Statement: We respect your privacy. If you have any privacy concerns, please contact our Branch Privacy Officer, Heidi Erisman, by phone at 780-451-6900 or privacy@kidney.ab.ca Readers: The Branch editor solicits ideas for original articles about living with kidney disease.

Your stories and comments are welcome at info@kidney.ab.ca Reprints and Additional Copies: Request reprint permission and reprints online at info@kidney.ab.ca or at the address below. For bulk orders call 780-451-6900 Contributing Writers Branch Staff Editorial/Production Heidi Erisman Circulation Coordinator Kerstin Kluge Design and Graphics Lorraine Shulba, Little Blue Bug Studios www.littlebluebugstudios.com Production Performance Graphics http://www.pgwest.ca

The Kidney Foundation of Canada Northern Alberta and The Territories Branch 202 - 11227 Jasper Avenue Edmonton AB T5K 0L5 Phone: 780-451-6900 Toll free: 1-800-461-9063 Fax: 780-451-7592 www.kidney.ab.ca

Board of Directors Sheelah Zapf, President Monte Weber, Vice President/Treasurer Dan Service, Vice President Gord Read, Past President Brad Atkinson, Director Daryl Becker, Director Vivianna Botticelli, Director Dr. Manjula Gowrishankar, Director Dr. Naomi Glick Staff Heidi Erisman Joane Marot Kerstin Kluge Flavia Robles Kim Kearns Kai Smyth

Don Charnaw

Executive Director Executive Assistant Administrative Assistant Director of Development Coordinator, Kidney Care Services Coordinator, Fund Development, Red Deer & District Development Officer, Major Gifts and Planned Giving

Kidney News and Views is published two times a year by the Northern Alberta and The Territories Branch.

The newsletter is a source of information on branch activities and matters of interest to persons impacted by kidney disease.

The opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Kidney Foundation of Canada, its directors, staff or members.

Fall 2011

Kidney News and Views

Programs

and Services

The Northern Alberta & The Territories Branch of the Kidney Foundation of Canada raises funds for research and to provide services to people and their families living with kidney disease, dialysis or kidney transplants.

Informational Resources Manual: Living with Kidney Disease, 4th Edition Website: www.kidney.ab.ca Handbook: transitions: Your Journey with

2011 Branch Calendar of Events Sept 11

“Give the Gift of Life” Fun Run & Walk”, Red Deer

Sept 11

“Give the Gift of Life” Fun Run & Walk”, St. Albert

Sept 24

SHABAM, Mayfield Trade Centre, Edmonton

Oct 23

Kidney Care Conference and Volunteer

Recognition Ceremony, Edmonton

Taxation information helpful to people living with kidney disease

Dec 4

Red Deer Patient and Family Christmas Dinner

Financial Assistance The Kidney Foundation of Canada recognizes that many of the expenses associated with kidney disease are borne directly by people with chronic kidney disease and live kidney donors.

The Foundation provides emergency and crisis financial assistance to eligible patients and their families. Applications are assessed and referred through one’s renal social worker.

Bursary Fund. These bursaries are for students who are affected by kidney disease. Contact our office or your renal social worker to apply for a bursary.

Organ Transplant

Brochures Loan library Print newsletter mailed twice a year:

Fill out and submit the newsletter form for your copies of Kidney News & Views

Peer Support Peer Support is based on the philosophy that the person who might really understand you is the person who has been there too. Please call or email our office to find out more about talking to a Peer Support Volunteer.

Educational Bursaries Our branch disperses bursaries from the Paddlers for Parts Fund and the Alex Unrau

Volunteer Opportunities As a volunteer for the Kidney Foundation of Canada, you can make a difference in the lives of people living with kidney disease, dialysis, or kidney transplants.

Volunteers are needed to help raise funds for research and to assist with services. Opportunities and time commitment are flexible. Volunteers are matched with positions that reflect their interests.

Contact Our Branch Office Kim Kearns 780-451-6900 ext 222 1-800-461-9063 kkearns@kidney.ab.ca www.kidney.ab.ca

Kidney News and Views

Fall 2011

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Recycling Railway Cars Helps Deliver First-Ever

National Screening Program For Kidney Disease

The Kidney Foundation of Canada Launches First-Ever National Targeted Screening Program for Chronic Kidney Disease Thanks to the Support of CN & ABC Recycling Canada’s first national targeted screening program for chronic kidney disease (CKD) was announced by The Kidney Foundation of Canada (KFOC). The program, titled See Kidney Disease or SeeKD, is being made possible by an innovative funding arrangement with CN that will enable The Kidney Foundation to fulfill one of its cornerstone mandates: early detection and prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

The funding for SeeKD will take the form of CN donating out-of-service railcars to Kidney Metals, an initiative of KFOC, BC Branch in partnership with ABC Recyling Ltd. CN has pledged $600,000 over a three-year period, which will enable the SeeKD program to support early identification and prevention of chronic kidney disease in communities across the country.

CN marked the announcement by presenting The Kidney Foundation of Canada with a cheque that represents the first year’s commitment to the initiative. “We are delighted to be part of such an innovative program that will help save so many lives across the country,” said Karen Phillips, vice president public and government affairs.

ABC Recycling, a leading metal recovery and recycling firm, amazed onlookers at its Burnaby operation when it “sheared” a CN railcar resulting in 30 tons of metal now destined to improve the health of Canadians at risk of developing kidney disease. “We are happy to be able to contribute our recycling expertise to help The Kidney Foundation save lives,” said ABC’s CEO, David Yochlowitz. “We are proud of our involvement in both Kidney Metals and Kidney Car because we know from personal experience just how important kidney health is. Ten years ago I donated a kidney to my wife.”

“We are happy to be able to contribute our recycling expertise to help The Kidney Foundation to save lives...”

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Fall 2011

Kidney News and Views

Chronic kidney disease is defined as the presence of kidney damage, or a decreased level of kidney function, for a period of three months or more. As many as 2.6 million Canadians have, or are at risk of developing, kidney disease and many are not aware of their condition. SeeKD is targeted at those most at risk of developing chronic kidney disease such as individuals with diabetes, hypertension, evidence of vascular disease, a family history of kidney disease and/or who are over 55 years of age. Certain ethnic groups are particularly at risk, such as people of Aboriginal, Asian and South Asian, African and Hispanic descent.

“Targeted screening programs have been shown to detect 93 per cent of all chronic kidney disease in the community,” says Dr. Joanne Kappel, who helped design the SeeKD program and who currently serves as chair of The Kidney Foundation’s Public Policy Council.

“We are delighted that CN has recognized the importance of the SeeKD initiative in helping to reduce the burden of kidney disease,” noted Lorraine Gerard, executive director of The Kidney Foundation’s BC Branch.

Kathryn Richardson, national president of The Kidney Foundation, whose son received a living donor kidney transplant when diagnosed early with kidney disease, reiterated: “There is no cure for kidney disease, but disease progression can be stopped or prevented if detected early enough, making initiatives such as this new SeeKD program invaluable.” The Northern Alberta and the Territories branch has since conducted the first SeeKD screening at CN in Edmonton.

Reprinted from Canada NewsWire, VANCOUVER, April 8 /CNW Telbec/ -

Recycling metal is a theme at the Kidney Foundation, and before there were railway cars, it might have been your vehicle.

The Kidney Car Program The Kidney Car Program 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 resold, and the donor receives a tax receipt for $300.00. If the vehicle happens to get resold, the donor receives the tax receipt for the value of the selling price.

Why Donate Your Car? 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 get rid of an unwanted vehicle while helping a good cause.

How It Works Complete the online form or call the Kidney Car Hotline at 780-453-2288. Following that, you will receive a call within 24 hours to schedule the pickup of your vehicle. Vehicles are usually picked up within the next 24-48 hrs. Your tax receipt will be sent to your mailing address within the year you donate the vehicle.

Kidney patients benefit from your generous donation. Funds derived from the Kidney Car Program fund innovative research and they provide us the means to develop relevant services and education for persons who care about their kidney health. Close to 2 million Canadians have kidney disease or are at risk. But the Kidney Car program is also an easy, hassle free way of disposing your unwanted vehicle.

2011 Door-toDoor Campaign A Few Pennies Can Create Lots of Change

We extend a heartfelt thank you to the over 200 volunteers who canvassed for the door to door campaign in March, 2011. $55,212.00 was raised as a result of individuals approaching neighbors and friends, asking them to donate to the mission and actions of the Kidney Foundation. A special shout out to canvassers in Plamondon who brought us noteworthy donations this year, and to Erhardt Pinno of Camrose. Erhardt Pinno, with his team in Camrose, raised almost half of the campaign revenue this year: $24,975. Erhard is an extraordinary fundraiser and leader in his community. We deeply appreciate his work with the many volunteers in Camrose who, together, brought in this significant revenue.

Over the past several years, the number of canvassers for our door to door campaign has declined. Volunteers who have gone door to door for years report that changes in giving in their community mean many people no longer answer their doors, or canvassers themselves are aging and fundraising this way is no longer possible. The door to door campaign can be a challenge in this era when there are so many other ways people can support a charity of their choice.

Yet a remnant of volunteers remain with the campaign, and they doggedly take up their kits and tackle their routes despite cold weather and doors closed to them. This year, despite the barriers, the Kidney Foundation canvassers provided significant and necessary funding for us to achieve our goals. We want to express our sincere appreciation to each canvasser for their extraordinary dedication and generous support in time and effort.

Lew Goddard is one of our volunteer canvassers who has had a long history of going door to door. This year he told of one situation that meant a great deal to him. He says, “At the beginning of my rounds I approached the door of a house and rang the bell. A little girl of about eight answered and I asked if her mother was home. Mom came directly and I asked if she was able to make a contribution. The answer was, “sorry, no.” I retraced my steps down to the ground level and the door closed. Immediately, the door reopened and the little girl called that she wanted to give some money. I went back and she came to me with two handfuls of coin from her piggy bank. I picket out $2.00 and suggested she keep the rest and that she was being very generous. Her mom offered another two dollars and I made out the receipt to the little girl for $4.00. I left with a lump in my throat.”

Going door to door to raise money can have a transformative effect on both the giver and the receiver. We see that in Lew’s story as he describes his encounter with a child, who perhaps gave her very first donation, who, with him conducted her first philanthropic deed. Those pennies are precious to us and they will go toward changing someone’s life. We value Lew and all our canvassers who facilitated the hundreds of small acts of giving during March, and that this year, added up to $55,212.00.

If you would like to canvas with our 2012 Door to Door Campaign, please call! For more information or to become a canvasser or an area leader, please contact Joane, 1-800-461-9063 ext 221 or email reception@kidney.ab.ca

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Fall 2011

Kidney News and Views

Kidney Friendly Recipe Nutrients per serving • Calories: 202 • Protein: 19 g • Carbohydrate: 9 g • Fat: 10 g • Cholesterol: 60 mg • Sodium: 242 mg • Potassium: 388 mg • Phosphorus: 160 mg • Calcium: 46 mg • Fiber: 2.1 g

A Delicious Soup from a Fresh Fall Harvest: Cabbage Borscht Ingredients • 2 pounds blade steaks, cooked and shredded (you may use blade or cross-rib roast or steak) • 6 cups cold water • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1/2 cup low sodium tomato sauce • 1 medium cabbage, cut into bite-size pieces

• • • • • • •

1 cup onion, chopped 1 cup carrots, chopped 1 cup turnips, peeled & cubed 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper juice of 2 lemons 4 tablespoons sugar

Renal & renal diabetic food choices Directions • 2-1/2 meat 1. Place steak in a big pot.

• 2 vegetables, low potassium 2. Add water to cover meat completely.

Carbohydrate choices 3. Cover with lid and bring to a boil.

• 1/2 4. After water is boiling, reduce heat to simmer and cook until meat is Helpful hints tender and shreds easily.

• Serve Cabbage Borscht with 5. Remove meat from pot and shred with a fork. light rye bread.

• One medium cabbage yields 6. Leave water in pot and add olive oil, tomato sauce, cabbage, onion, approximately 8 cups. carrots, turnips and shredded meat.

7. Season with salt and pepper; add lemon juice and sugar.

8. Cook on low heat 1 to 1-1/2 hours until all vegetables are cooked.

Before serving season to taste with more lemon, sugar or pepper if desired.

Retrieved from http://www.davita.com/recipes/soups-and-stews/cabbage-borscht/r/5552. Recipe submitted

by DaVita dietitian Karen G. from Illinois. Check out this recipe and more at www.Davita.com for many delicious, fall recipes for persons on dialysis, CKD non-dialysis, and diabetes.

Kidney News and Views

Fall 2011

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Something to think about...

Finnish Study Reports a Bottle of Beer Consumed Per Day Reduces the Risk of Kidney Stones.

In 1999, the Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health published a study by Finnish researchers, which demonstrated beer consumption was inversely associated with the risk of kidney stones. That in fact, a bottle of beer consumed per day was estimated to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones by 40%. This outcome was determined after the researchers studied associations between diet and risk of kidney stones in a group of 27,001 Finnish males over a period of five years.

Beer is thought to prevent kidney stones because it helps to prevent calcium deposits from being formed in your kidneys. Calcium deposits that form in the kidney mix with salts and other minerals there and ultimately turn into kidney stones. It is suggested that stouts, porters or other beers with lots of hops are best.

Beer’s curative powers in regard to kidney stones aren’t unique. The Finnish study concluded that not just beer but also coffee, tea and red wine can prevent kidney stones by preventing calcium deposits from building up. So while drinking beer can be good for your kidneys, specifically moderate beer drinking helps prevent kidney stones, drinking lots of water is best. Dehydration is a major factor in developing kidney stones. So include seven or eight glasses of water a day with your bottle of beer and engage in plenty of exercise to keep kidney stones away.

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Fall 2011

Kidney News and Views

Presents...

A celebration of great beer, music, and fantastic art! September 24, 2011 The branch is pleased to be the charity of choice for Sherbrooke Liquor Store’s craft beer festival SHABAM. An event dedicated to unique, regional handcrafted beers, original art, music, and food.

SHABAM is a wonderful evening of discovery. One can sample from over 50 different beers and learn from brew masters who are passionate about their craft. Guests can view extraordinary original art and meet and buy from some of the area’s finest artists and artisans.

SHABAM is an evening that is original in all its elements and if you are looking for a unique experience, join us, September 24, 2011 at the Mayfield Trade Centre, 16615 - 109 ave.

Tickets online at www.kidney.ab.ca $20 each, 2/$35 and $25 at the door.

Special group rate, 50/$750 Pouring starts at 5:00pm.

All proceeds from SHABAM go to the Kidney Foundation of Canada

Lorraine Shulba

www.sherbrookeliquor.com

Cam Wilson

Helen Dobko

Red Deer & District Updates

The Restaurant 27 Wine Gala was held on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 and was a Great Success!

The Scott Block graciously hosted our event this year and provided amazing ambiance. We appreciated the volunteerism of the Restaurant 27 staff who donated their ‘gift of time’ for our fundraising event, as well as Restaurant 27 who donated most of the food, it was amazing!

Thank you to our Wine, Beer & Spirit Sponsors: Sobeys Wine Cellars, PMA Canada, Warrego Wine, Chateau Wine & Spirits Lacombe, and Molson Coors Canada. And a big shout out to our Media Sponsors Big 105 & 106.7 the Drive.

We also wish to recognize our live & silent auction sponsors, their contributions raised a great deal of money for the Foundation and their support is greatly appreciated!

The Red Deer Rebels Line-X Red Deer Lia Sophia Pam Bolton Uncle Ben’s Stella and Dot Rachelle Neilsen Only Women’s Fitness Phone Experts Kananaskis Helicopter Tours Adrienne Marie Photography Dance Magic Innisfail Golf & Country Club Royal Tyrell Museum The Rocky Mountain Wine Festival Basics Fitness Brikham Yoga Red Deer Border Paving Border Paving Kathy Hunter Fever Fit Hockey Central Fountain Tire Fountain Tire Janet + James Med Spa Sylvan Lake Fairmont Banff Springs Heidi Erisman Popovich Dinner Theatre The Edmonton Oilers Serengeti Med Spa Bernard Callebeaut Chocolatier The Capri Centre Glenda Ganz Artist Safari Spa N Light Images We wish to express our gratitude to our special “guest speaker” George Killam who spoke about living on dialysis ( we are excited to announce that since that night, George received a life saving kidney). Special thanks to our auctioneer extraordinaire Chad Beagle, entertainer “C Note” Music with Ross Stafford and emcee Paul O’Neil from the morning Buzz.

We are grateful for our dedicated volunteers. Their involvement contributed to the success of our event. And, we would like to express our gratitude to everyone who attended.

Thank-you to everyone who contributed to make this event a success!

3rd Party News: Every year, individuals or community groups design and implement events and dedicate the proceeds to charities of their choice. At the Kidney Foundation we are honoured when chosen to be the beneficiary. The extra support goes along way to helping us achieve our mission and goals.

During the summer, we received funds raised by Jim and Sheila Cumberland from their annual Competitive Ranch Roping charity event held on their ranch near Spruceview, AB. Jim and Sheila raised almost $7,000 over their weekend event and they donated it to the Foundation. Their generosity and commitment to the Kidney Foundation is greatly valued and appreciated.

For the second year, family and friends of the late Cathy Thompson of Ponoka held a golf event called the “Cathy Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament. A gift totaling $10,100.00 was sent to the branch in memory of Cathy. We appreciate this designation of funds to the Kidney Foundation and it will be allocated to important kidney research. Cathy passed away due to kidney complications. The proceeds from this legacy tournament will help us move toward improvements in our understanding of kidneys and innovative solutions to renal failure. We extend our sincere thanks for this generous gift and appreciate all those who participated and made contributions.

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Fall 2011

Kidney News and Views

Foundation Research News

First Dialysis Patients to Successfully Receive Lab Grown Vessels

Dr. Todd McAllister recently presented cutting edge research showing that human blood vessels grown in a laboratory from donor skin cells can be successfully implanted into patients.

Dr. McAllister and his team, which includes Canadian Dr. Nicolas L’Heureux (PhD Laval University, Quebec), showed that the patients who received implants did not develop immune reaction up to eight months after implementation. This research, highlighted in a webinar by the American Heart Association Emerging Science Serie, is the first step towards having a bank of blood vessels in various shapes and sizes that may address a costly and vexing problem in dialysis patients: The lack of access to healthy blood vessels over time.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada is a proud supporter of innovative science, and is currently funding research in the design, fabrication and characterization of a nanotechnology based wearable artificial kidney led by Morteza Ahmadi, recipient of the KRESCENT Allied Health Doctoral Award funded by The Kidney Foundation of Canada and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

For more information on The Kidney Foundation of Canada Research Program, visit www.kidney.ca/research and www.krescent.ca.

For more information about the lab grown vessels, check out http://www.news-medical.net/news/20110628/Tissue-engineered-blood-vessels-from-donorskin-cells-successfully-implanted-in-patients.aspx

Dr. Todd McAllister recently presented cutting edge research showing that human blood vessels grown in a laboratory from donor skin cells can be successfully implanted into patients.

Kidney News and Views

Fall 2011

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coping with chronic illness... end of life care...

support is there...

Canada needs to improve end-of-life care, study shows

Better psychological and spiritual support, improved planning of care and stronger relationships with physicians are necessary to improve end-of-life care in Canada, according to a study by a Queen’s University professor.

“High quality end-of-life care should be the right of every Canadian,” says Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology Dr. Daren Heyland, who is also a researcher at Kingston General Hospital.

“But it’s not always happening. We know from international studies that Canada ranks ninth in the world in terms of quality of care provided at the end of life.”

The study, a questionnaire that aimed to measure satisfaction with end-of-life care for patients with advanced diseases and their families, involved 363 patients over 55 years of age and 193 family caregivers.

While overall satisfaction for end-of-life care was rated as good, ratings for complete satisfaction ranged from nine per cent to a high of only 57 per cent, suggesting the need for improvement.

The highest priorities were improving the emotional support for patients, better communication and involvement in decisions and improving the relationship between the patient, family and doctor. Patients were least satisfied with their understanding of what to expect in the end stage, discussions with their physician regarding final location of care, and the use of technology at the end of life.

Retrieved August 3, 2011 http://www.queensu.ca/news/articles/canada-needs-improve-end-lifecare-study-shows

Kidney Care Conference: Planning for the Future and Our End of Life Care

Sunday October 23 from 9:00am to 3:30pm Chateau Louis Hotel & Conference Centre, Ballroom Topics & Speakers: Coping with chronic illness and mental health - Arvin Simon, Registered Psychologist

End of life care planning

- Dr. Naomi Glick, Nephrologist - Dr. Sara Davidson, Nephrologist Register by contacting Kim Kearns, 780.451.6900 ext.222 or kkearns@kidney.ab.ca

Visit www.kidney.ab.ca for more details.

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Fall 2011

Kidney News and Views

Gift the gift...

Alberta has the lowest rate of kidney donations

Little Ben was born with renal failure. At one month old, he started on dialysis and continued until he was 18 months old – big enough to receive a lifesaving kidney transplant from his dad.

Dialysis is only a temporary measure for babies in renal failure. A transplant is the best chance, the paramount treatment, to ensure a child’s rehabilitation and development.

However the process of receiving a transplant for many who need one is a challenge. Come and meet Ben and his family at the St. Albert “Give the Gift of Life” Fun Run and Walk to hear the story that changed both Ben’s life and that of his family.

In addition to funding innovative kidney research and providing support to persons impacted by kidney disease, we advocate for Organ and Tissue Donation awareness. As part of working toward improving the quality of life for persons in renal failure, the best treatment today is a kidney transplant. Alberta has the lowest rate of kidney donation in Canada, and Canada is one of the lowest countries in the world where people donate their organs. As a result, in our community, our loved ones in renal failure continue to decline while on dialysis, as they wait for a life saving kidney.

Often they become too ill to be eligible for a kidney, or they pass while waiting for one. Our “Give the Gift of Life” Fun Run and Walks are designed to create awareness and generate funds so we can keep the message out there.

We promote organ and tissue donation by creating relevant publications and we present continuously in schools and community events on the need for, and the importance of organ and tissue donation.

REGISTER NOW and online at www.kidney.ab.ca, Register as a TEAM or as an INDIVIDUAL. Create your own web page and collect pledges using our simple email system.

“Give the Gift of Life” Fun Run & Walk, September 11th at Great Chief Park (Kiwanis Picnic Shelter), 4707 Fountain Drive, Red Deer, AB “Give the Gift of Life” Fun Run and Walk, September 11th at Lions Park, Sir Winston Churchill Avenue, St. Albert, AB Kidney News and Views

Fall 2011

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Kidney Stories

of Hope...

The Kidney Stories of Hope campaign which takes place during March, encourages e-testimonials from individuals personally touched by kidney disease. It helps reduce the burden of kidney disease by empowering those affected to share their stories, while participating in a national effort to advance public awareness of and commitment to kidney health and organ donation. Story submissions were received during March, Kidney Health Month. For each story entered, The Kidney Foundation received $5 in funding from campaign partner, Shire Canada. This year’s compelling entries particularly underscored the personal courage and determination required to brave kidney disease.

Five compelling stories were selected by The Kidney Foundation’s panel of judges, including our own Kim Kearns. Each of the authors received a $500 cash prize made possible through an unrestricted grant from Shire Canada.

Please join us in congratulating the 2011 Kidney Stories of Hope campaign awardees from five regions across Canada: JoAnn Landry – Victoria, BC Nikki Dalby – Calgary, AB (Prairies awardee) Brittney Krueger – Woodstock, ON Édouard Guernon – La Baie, PQ Virginia Arsenault – Charlottetown, PE

(Atlantic awardee)

We have included the Atlantic Awardee – Virginia Arsenault – Charlottetown, PEI Story of Hope here below: As a young child, I was often sick in the hospital waiting for the latest kidney infection to subside, while dreading the next kidney infection that would inevitably follow. From birth, my right kidney was deformed, severely prone to infections and progressively failing. Although my left kidney was healthy, its partner often left my body wracked with pain and illness.

I had always been a dreamer and I dreamt of becoming an astronaut, a firefighter, and an Olympic swimmer. Yet, my biggest dream was to climb Mount Everest. Throughout my childhood and youth, all I ever thought about was scaling the world’s tallest peaks. However, I was afraid that it would be impossible with a failing kidney that was constantly infected. By the time I turned 13, it had completely failed and was causing me immense pain. Thankfully, through the research of The Kidney Foundation, doctors realized that though my other kidney was healthy, my right kidney needed to be removed. A few months later, I went under the knife and came out an entirely new and healthy person.

I will forever be grateful for The Kidney Foundation and the support it provides for research to help kidney patients like myself. Today, I am able to live my dream of being a mountaineer. I have traveled to the Himalayas and saw Mount Everest with my own eyes from the summit of a nearby mountain. Additionally, I have recently returned from an expedition to climb Mount Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in America. Presently, I am also a volunteer for The Kidney Foundation, helping to bring hope to those living with kidney disease today. Thank you!

To read the other four prized entries and for more information about the campaign, please visit: http://www.kidney.ca/storiesofhope

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Kidney News and Views

Recognizing Our

VOLUNTEERS Deadline for Nominations is Friday, September 30, 2011

During a year, a tremendous amount of work in support of the Kidney Foundation is delivered by volunteers. Volunteers assist at all events, present with our Speakers Bureau, assist with Peer Support, provide clerical assistance, and they govern the organization. Volunteers are found at every juncture at the Branch. We could not achieve what we do without them.

Each year the Branch chooses a time to recognize contributions made by our volunteers. And, over the years, Branch volunteers and staff have created some special awards to pay tribute to notable service. We will present these tributes to recipients at our Kidney Care Conference held Sunday October 23 from 9:00AM to 3:30PM at the Chateau Louis Hotel & Conference Centre Ballroom.

We invite you to consider our volunteers at the Branch with the thought to nominate them for recognition for noteworthy contribution to the branch during 2010 and 2011.

Below we have listed the various awards. If you would like to nominate someone you know who fits the criteria, please call the office at 1-800-461-9063 to obtain a nomination form. The deadline for submitting nominations is September 30, 2011.

Anna Larison: The Anna Larison Award is presented to an individual or group who has made an outstanding contribution to the Kidney Foundation of Canada through regular work in the Branch or Chapter office as a volunteer providing assistance to staff, committees or the board of directors.

Wally Bucis: The Wally Bucis Award is presented to a community service club or group in recognition of support and services provided to the Northern Alberta & the Territories Branch.

Tracey Lynn Carwell: The Tracey Lynn Carwell Award is presented to a person with kidney disease who shows courage and determination in their daily life.

This person has inspired others to fulfill their potential by achieving success in school, work or community service.

Ray Tellier: The Ray Tellier Memorial Award is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution through regular work within the community as a volunteer on behalf of the Foundation.

Fundraising: This award is presented to an individual or group who has greatly contributed to the mission of the Foundation through support of fundraising activities.

Goplin Leadership Award: This award is issued to a volunteer who demonstrates leadership by developing commitment in others and motivates a group of people toward a common goal in service of the mission and objectives of the Kidney Foundation.

Media: This award is presented to a print or broadcast journalist or a media outlet that has increased public awareness of kidney disease or the activities of the Northern Alberta & the Territories Branch.

Kidney News and Views

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Return undeliverable mail to: The Kidney Foundation of Canada Northern Alberta and The Territories Branch 202 - 11227 Jasper Ave NW Edmonton AB T5K 0L5

www.kidney.ab.ca Call 1-800-461-9063

Enclosed is my donation to the Kidney Foundation of Canada From time to time, we may use your contact information to keep you informed of other activities, events and/or fundraising activities in support of the Foundation. If you do not want to receive communications other than the newsletter from the Foundation, kindly contact us.

I do not want my name to appear on the Kidney Foundation of Canada’s other contact lists.

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