CORNWALL, Ontario – About 50 walkers were expected at this year’s Kidney Walk on Sept. 22. The walk commenced at 11 a.m. at Lamoureux Park.
“It’s a wonderful experience and everyone in the community is fantastic,” said Melissa Forster, the organizer of this year’s walk. “It’s great to see everyone out here today.”
Forester, who recently started working with The Kidney Foundation of Canada, is excited to participate in her first season of walks. She explained that this year’s walk is raising funds for research, treatment and patient options. Patient services in Cornwall include a peer support program as well as short-term financial assistance.
“Different benefits (that) people can use while they are on dialysis,” said Forester.
This year’s fundraising goal is $11,000.
According to statistics, one in 10 Canadians live with kidney disease.
For Carrie McLeod, a walk participant, the cause hits close to home. McLeod has kidney disease and is currently on dialysis. She is hoping to receive a new kidney in about a year and a half.
Organ donation is a method of treatment that can lead patients to a greater quality of life.
For more information on the walk, visit www.kidneywalk.ca. To learn more about how to become an organ donor, visit www.beadonor.ca.
