The Brandon Kidney Walk will be held this weekend, bringing funding and recognition for the disease, which affects about one in 10 Canadians, or one in 4 million people.
“Kidney disease is a quiet epidemic and is much more common than people are aware…”
“Kidney disease is a quiet epidemic and is much more common now than people are aware,” said Gemma Ignacio, event coordinator for Brand Kidney Walk at the Manitoba branch of the Canadian Kidney Foundation.
“You can lose up to 80% of your kidney function before you experience something serious, so for many people, awareness and early detection is extremely important,” explains Ignacio. “The journey also includes dialysis, which can be three times a week, up to four hours at a time, until you're lucky enough for the rest of your life or until you're lucky enough to receive a transplant.”
Manitoba has the longest waiting time for kidney transplants nationwide
Ignacio says the unfortunate statistics in Manitoba regarding kidney disease are that Manitoba has the longest waiting time for kidney transplants nationwide.
“We average over about six years just to get a kidney transplant. In addition, kidney disease presents a very serious financial burden on patients,” she says. “They often face an extra $2,000 in uncovered monthly expenses, so this illness can affect your health history, no matter your age.”
When asked why it is, Ignacio says many people are interested, but that doesn't happen when it comes to signing up for the program. She adds that it's important to sign up for the Organ Donor Program, and if tragedy occurs, your name will be in the system at least if your organ is available to save the organ. It is also important to share this decision with your family to help them directly in a timely manner.
“So we always encourage people to sign up for life. Sign up for the life.ca website And it's just as easy. A kidney walk is raising both awareness and funding to support people living with kidney disease. ” she adds.
Which population is at the highest risk? How can I protect my kidneys from kidney disease?
One in 10 people with Manitoban are diagnosed with or at risk of developing kidney disease, Ignacio said. “And one in three indigenous Manitoban is at risk of kidney disease, and as many as one in three Filipinos,” she adds.
Diabetes is a factor in developing kidney disease, but the same applies to high-fat and high cholesterol diets.
To reduce the risk, Ignacio says it's mostly about living a healthy life.
“Monitor your blood pressure. Control your blood sugar levels. Eat healthy foods and reduce your salt intake. Drink more water, it's a big thing,” she says. “It's the same as smoking. Many people smoke, but don't smoke. It protects your kidneys. It also maintains a healthy weight. All of these help protect your kidneys from kidney disease.”
The Kidney Foundation is not government funding, so they rely on donor dollars and fundraisers
Because the Kidney Foundation does not provide government funding, it relies on kidney walks and fundraisers to raise funds for programs and services such as the Foundation's Short-Term Financial Assistance Program, which provides additional funding to provide patients with important needs.
“The Kidney Foundation is committed to ensuring that all Canadians with chronic kidney disease have access to high quality healthcare and essential support,” she says. “By providing comprehensive education, we equip patients, patients and healthcare professionals with the tools needed to promote kidney health. We promote change by funding innovative research through effective advocacy of impactful policies.”
“And these donations are directly supporting Westman Winnipeg, Manitoba, and the local dialysis unit community,” she adds.
Brandon Kidney Walk Date: Sunday, June 1st, 2025
Registration time: 1pm
Program begins: 1:30pm
Start time: 2pm
Location: Westridge Community Centre-32 Willowdale Crescent, Brandon
For more information, please visit the Kidney Walk website here!
Photo Credits Canada Kidney Foundation Website
