Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has sidelined many events, fundraisers, and other opportunities over the last 14 months. But the pandemic won’t stop the Kidney Foundation of Canada from holding their annual Kidney March! According to the Calgary Herald, the virtual Kidney March, based in Calgary, will take place this year from August 9, 2021 through September 12, 2021.
Virtual Kidney March
According to the Kidney March website:
Kidney March means doing the most you can do to fight against kidney disease, fight for organ donation, and support everyone in our community. We ask you to walk the farthest you have ever walked, raise the most money you have ever raised, and commit to truly making a difference.
Over the last 11 years, the Kidney Foundation of Canada has raised over $9.5 million through this fundraising event. The funds support medical research, organ donation initiatives, and other patient resources and programs. This year, the Kidney Foundation of Canada is asking participants to walk 100 kilometers (approximately 62 miles) and raise a minimum of $2,200. You can participate no matter where you are in the world!
Many family members also get involved with the virtual Kidney March. For example, Laurie McKenzie is marching in honor of her daughter Penelope, who recently had surgery for renal issues. Also marching is Danielle Sinclair for her daughter Teagan. Teagan has cystinuria, a rare condition categorized by high levels of cystine, an amino acid, in the bladder and kidneys. As cystine accumulates, it can cause painful stones and blockages. Over the last five years, Teagan has had 6 separate surgical procedures to remove these stones, and has also had to have her right kidney removed. Learn more about cystinuria here.
The March offers patients, their families, and even healthcare workers the opportunity to support renal-focused research, find support in a community, and raise awareness around a variety of renal conditions.
Interested in learning more about the Virtual Kidney March, donating, or registering to join in? Head over to the website to learn more.
