Four years after he received his kidney transplant, one Penticton man is hoping to pay for it before and get the rest of the community on board with him.
Jason Jadrowski was 32 years old when he was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in 2008, but despite his younger age of illness, it moved forward and barely left over half of his kidney function.
For years, he had to undergo dialysis at Penticton Regional Hospital for 3-4 hours a week due to one kidney failure and the other failing.
In 2021, Jadrowski received his kidneys from the deceased donor, and since then he has ensured that he lives his life to the fullest.
“I have more energy to play basketball with my daughter and I can travel and work full time again,” Jadrowski said. “I have been taking medication for the rest of my life and I keep in mind that my kidneys will fail in time and I know I will be taking part in another fight, so I enjoy every moment of my life.
The Kidney Foundation hopes that Jadrowski's story will encourage people to support kidney walks on June 1st. This walk raises funds and awareness for those at or at risk of kidney disease, which affects one in 10 Canadians.
No known treatments for kidney disease can affect anyone regardless of their health. Before the diagnosis, Yadlowski was an active outdoorsman and played multiple sports.
Only when doctors performed ultrasound after failing to determine the cause of his high blood pressure could he find a hidden cyst in his kidneys.
By the time the kidneys were available for transplants, Yadlowski had lost over 50 pounds and had undergone over 12 small surgeries and procedures.
“It was incredibly tough not having the energy or time I had to do physical activity with my daughter,” Jadrowski said. “They were young and still couldn't understand the concept of what was going on with their father. I didn't fight for myself, I fought against obstacles to get better and healthier for my family.
Since surgery and his recovery, Yadlowski has returned to kidney basics and supported them through kidney walks, helping him and others to get a second chance in life.
He lives on knowing that the kidneys he receives could fail in the future, and once again he will need help and support.
In addition to supporting the Kidney Foundation on the June 1st Kidney Walk in Penticton, other ways to support people with kidney disease include ensuring registration as an organ donor, volunteering to the Foundation, or making monthly donations. kidney.ca/get-involved/make-a-gift.
The walk will be held at Rotary Park, with registrations from 8:30am and 9:30am
