(Kidney Foundation of Canada photo, website)
Thousands of people across Ontario will take part in Kidney Walk events this fall, including a stop in Pembroke aimed at raising awareness and funds for people affected by kidney disease.
The Pembroke-Renfrew Kidney Walk is scheduled for Sept. 26 at the Pembroke Riverwalk Amphitheatre. Registration begins at 10 a.m., with the walk getting underway at 11 a.m.
Organized by The Kidney Foundation, the events bring together people living with kidney disease, their families, caregivers, transplant recipients, donors and health-care professionals.
The foundation says participants take part for a variety of reasons, including supporting loved ones, celebrating transplants and honouring people who have died from kidney disease.
More than four million Canadians are affected by kidney disease, which can progress with few symptoms until later stages. People living with kidney failure may require dialysis several times a week or a kidney transplant.
The foundation says money raised through Kidney Walk events supports kidney research, peer support programs and educational resources for patients and families.
Ontario Kidney Walk participants have raised more than $1 million annually over the past three years. The foundation hopes to reach that fundraising milestone again this year.
The Pembroke event is one of 30 Kidney Walks being held in communities across Ontario.
Participants can register or make donations through the Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Walk website.
(Steve Berard)
