PKD Foundation of Canada - For Research in Polycystic Kidney Disease

Volunteer Stories

You can make a difference in the lives of people affected by PKD. Whatever your interest, there are plenty of ways to get involved. You will connect with real people who share your passion for finding a treatment and a cure. Below you'll discover how others like you have made an impact. If you are interested in volunteering, please call us at 1-877-410-1741 or email endpkd@endpkd.ca

Dennis McCloskey

In the three years that I have been associated with PKD Foundation of Canada, I have found everyone involved with the organization to be very helpful, informative and approachable. As one who writes professionally about a wide range of subjects, including people who have PKD, first-hand contacts and primary research is important to me, so whenever I have a PKD-related question, the people at PKDFOC are the "go-to" guys. Their staff, Board of Directors and volunteers are ideal ambassadors and excellent advocates for the PKD cause in Canada.
Dennis McCloskey
Author of PKD biography ‘My Favorite American’ - Winner of the 2009 Helene Kenigsberg Award for Excellence in Public Awareness of Polycystic Kidney Disease

Jan Robertson

It has been a pleasure for me to be a volunteer with the PKD Foundation of Canada since its conception in 1994. When I was first diagnosed in 1980, I had no idea what PKD was or what was in store for me over the next 31 years. It has been a blessing for me to be able to learn about PKD from guest speakers, webinars and other patients at our Toronto Chapter support group meetings. I help the charity by tending to the PKD phone lines and have done so for several years. I have always believed that nothing helps more, than sharing with someone who has actually walked in your shoes. I also help with fundraisers held throughout the year. I absolutely love our Annual Walkathon and get such pleasure out of being with family and friends there and seeing the event grow each passing year. Doing TV interviews and newspaper articles is an important part of my volunteer work as well, helping to bring awareness to PKD and the PKD Foundation of Canada. I have met some amazing and wonderful friends through the PKD Community that I love dearly and who will be a part of my life forever.

Meg Robertson

Until recently, I was faced with the reality that I may have PKD; a disease that has plagued my family for generations. Through the ground breaking work being done at Toronto General Hospital, alongside the PKD Foundation of Canada, I came to find out that I do not have PKD nor will I ever inherit this life threatening disease.
My diagnosis has not changed my dedication to raising critical awareness and funds for the PKDFOC’s research initiatives. I will continue to volunteer my time and efforts with this charity in honor of my family members who have suffered from this disease and for the millions around the world who are currently battling PKD. Until a treatment and cure for PKD is found, we all must do our very best to improve the lives of those it affects. This is me doing my part.

Meg Tytler

I was diagnosed with PKD in the fall of 2005. It was an overwhelming experience for me, especially since no one else in my family had the disease. The Toronto Chapter of the PKD Foundation of Canada provided me with a very supportive environment, and volunteering for the PKDFOC helps me maintain a positive attitude knowing my efforts are contributing to finding a cure. The developments in the scientific community are very exciting at this time!
I enjoy assisting with the Annual Walk for PKD, Hamilton Home & Garden Shows and partaking in various television interviews, sharing my story of PKD and stressing the importance of public awareness for this disease.

Philomena Vaswani

I was diagnosed with PKD 37 years ago and was very well taken care of by my GP and Nephrologist all these years. I had to start hemo dialysis 3 times a week in March 2010.

Some years ago, I read an article in the Etobicoke Guardian on the Toronto Chapter of PKD Foundation of Canada. I contacted Jeff Robertson and began assisting with a variety of clerical duties. It's great to see how the Toronto Chapter has evolved into the PKD Foundation of Canada, with all the hard work expanding nationally truly benefiting the PKD Community at large. I hope that this common inherited disease continues to get more media coverage and consequently more awareness and support.

My husband and I have attended some of the support group meetings as well. It has been wonderful to hear the life experiences of how others have coped with PKD and face their challenges on a daily basis.

I will certainly continue to volunteer in whatever way I can.