I have raised  of my  goal.
I am on the Angie's Kidney Connection readOnly mergetype="dbfield" cite="" {95919BE0-C436-4eab-8083-096E94826667}="Angie's Kidney Connection" /> team

I'm taking steps to fight kidney disease. This fall I will be lacing up in support of the Kidney Foundation's Give the Gift of Life Walk. With funds supporting early detection programs, leading kidney research and programs for kidney patients - it is one way that I can make a difference and be a part of something bigger.

Also this is extremely important to me because I was diagnosed with kidney disease when I was 9 and have also lost a few friends to the disease. I walk for my Donor who gave back my life on Sept 30th 2007 & for everyone with kidney disease who have passed in the last few years, Fred Bormann (May 1st 2009), Nancy Drake (July 8th 2009), ChefNancy (May 13th 2009), Marian (2008), Terry (June 15th 2009) & Jamie Gilbert (Jan 1st 2006).

I walk in hopes of more advancement in research, better medications with less side effects and longer lasting kidney transplants as well as more efficient dialysis for people without kidneys. One day I hope there will be an implantable kidney so patients won't have to be tied to a machine anymore. I am grateful for my transplant and also am walking for my donor.

So if you can sponsor me, please click here. If you can't, please consider coming out and walking with me at the walk itself! To join my team please click here!

The walk is at:

Colasanti's Tropical Gardens (Directions at THIS LINK or check GoogleMaps)
1550 Road 3 East, Kingsville
Date: Sunday, September 18, 2011
Registration: 8:30 a.m. (Colasanti's Tropical Gardens - Parking Lot)
Walk: (9:45 a.m.) 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. (whole event finished at 1pm by the latest)

Schedule of the Day

8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Registration

9:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Opening Ceremonies including Zumba

10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Give the Gift of Life Walk
Chrysler Canada Greenway (5 km)

11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. Breakfast and Entertainment

11:45 a.m. - Noon Awards Ceremony and Presentation

Noon - 1:00 p.m. Entertainment (Mad Science® of Windsor)

If you want to print out a pledge form you can get it from this link:
www.kidney.on.ca/Document.Doc?id=1653

Every donation makes a difference - thank you for your support.

If you want to help spread the word, I have created a "Tiny URL" (short link) for this page you can share with people: tinyurl.com/AngiesWalk2011

You can also check out my experiences with Kidney Disease through my blog entries on the Kidney Foundation of Canada blogs page or my website if you would like at kidneykorner.com

FYI

Currently (in 2011) there are 1075 people waiting on the list for a kidney in Ontario alone.

By the Numbers

* An estimated 1.5 million Ontarians have or are at increased risk for developing kidney disease.

* The two leading causes of kidney failure are:
--- Diabetes 34%
--- Renal vascular disease (including high blood pressure)19%

* 10,000 Ontarians are currently on dialysis. They are served by over 90 dialysis unit facilities across the province.

* In 2010 there were 1121 people in Ontario waiting for a kidney or kidney pancreas transplant.

* Of the 556 kidney and kidney/pancreas transplants performed in 2010, almost 40% were from living donors.

* Six Ontario hospitals perform kidney transplants (London Health Sciences, St. Michaels, Toronto General, Sick Kids, Ottawa General and St. Joseph?s Hamilton.)

* Approximately 11% of those on dialysis are on the waiting list for a transplant

* In 2010, 556 kidney transplants were performed in Ontario

* The Kidney Foundation is committed to raising awareness about organ donation because kidney transplants are:

--- Needed by 74% of Ontarians on the organ transplant waiting list

--- The best available treatment option for people living with kidney failure