February 25, 2021
February 2021 PKD e-News
February 2021
Greetings!
Welcome to the PKD Foundation of Canada's February e-News! We have provided information important to helping you take action in your journey with PKD.
Learn
ICYMI: Polycystic Kidney Disease & the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Webinar Recordings are Available Online Now!
COVID-19 is a serious health concern and the impact on our lives continues to evolve on a daily basis. In these unprecedented times, individuals with pre-existing conditions need to be especially careful. With the distribution of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine under way in Canada, many of those affected by PKD have questions. It is our goal to provide you with up-to-date information as it relates to this virus, the vaccine, and to help ease your mind during this challenging time. Thank you to all those who attended!We were joined by nephrologist and PKD specialist, Dr. York Pei, on January 21st for an insightful presentation and Q&A segment (in English). Watch the English webinar recording here!
On February 17th, we were joined by nephrologist and PKD specialist, Dr. Daniel D. Bichet, for another informative engaging presentation and Q&A (in French). Watch the French webinar recording here!
Upcoming Webinar From the University Health Network:
Polycystic Kidney Disease Diagnoses and Treatment Options
When: Thursday, February 25th: 12:00pm-1:00pm EST
Speaker: Dr. York Pei
This complimentary presentation will provide an overview polycystic kidney disease, including diagnosis and treatment options.
This session is intended for patients, caregivers, family and healthcare providers - but anyone who is interested is welcome!
Concordia Researchers Find Hormone Treatment Can Be Effective Against Polycystic Kidney Disease
"A hormone commonly associated with sleep-wake regulation has been found to reduce cysts in fruit flies, according to Concordia researchers. It’s a finding that may affect the way we treat some kidney diseases and reduce the need for kidney transplants."The researchers hope that their findings can be applied to treating people suffering from ADPKD. Read more about melatonin and PKD here!
The Power of Routines in Your Mental Health
"The importance of mental health has been associated with a variety of mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, addiction, and depression, among others. The reason behind this is that when we organize ourselves and know what to expect, it’s easier to actively work towards counteracting the thoughts and symptoms of any of the aforementioned mental health conditions."Learn how you can use your morning routine to support mental health here!
Awareness
IN THE NEWS: Teens Feeling Disconnected, Hopeless Due to COVID-19 Raises Alarm for Parents and Experts
"I'm really a social person and I love being around people. With the pandemic, we can't do that," she said."I kind of feel more alone and I kind of... shut down in a sense. And I lose my motivation to do anything, even simple things in my daily life."
Read the full CBC article here!
February 28th is Rare Disease Day!
Rare Disease Day is the official international awareness-raising campaign for rare diseases, which takes place on the last day of February each year. The main objective of the campaign is to raise awareness amongst the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their impact on patients' lives.Autosomal-recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is a rare disease, affecting 1 in 20,000. For more information and to learn how to get involved, click here!
March 11th is World Kidney Day!
World Kidney Day 2021 is all about “Living Well with Kidney Disease”. The objective is to increase education and awareness about effective symptom management and patient empowerment, with the ultimate goal of encouraging meaningful participation in every-day life. Whilst effective measures to prevent kidney disease and its progression are important, patients with kidney disease – including those who depend on dialysis and transplantation – and their care-partners should also feel supported, especially during pandemics and other challenging periods, by the concerted efforts of kidney care communities.
WKD calls for the inclusion of life participation as a key focus in the care of patients with CKD and as a building block towards delivering the ultimate goal of living well with kidney disease.
To learn more about World Kidney Day and how you can get involved, click here!
Voices of PKD: Marie Lerminiaux
"My name is Marie Lerminiaux. My journey with PKD began when I was young, watching my mother and aunt’s journeys and not truly understanding. Then, my sister’s kidneys failed when I was in my late 30’s."Read more of Marie's PKD story and a poem she has written about her journey here!
Support
March is Kidney Month!
Join the 31 Days of PKD Challenges!Kidney Month is recognized in March across Canada and the United States. We spend this time raising awareness of the importance of our kidneys to our overall health, and to reduce the frequency and impact kidney disease and its associated health problems have on an international level.
In honor of March’s National Kidney Month, we will once again be taking on daily challenges to raise awareness of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Leading up to March 1st, stay tuned for information on how you can participate in the 31 Days of PKD Challenges!
You can follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for daily updates on our progress and share your progress using #PKDChallenge, #KidneyMonth, and #endPKD.
DIY2ENDPKD: How To Plan Your Own Successful Fundraiser
2020 was a difficult year for many of us, including the charitable sector and the PKD Foundation of Canada. With event cancellations, funding shortfalls and increased need for support, now more than ever, you have the opportunity to make an even bigger impact with your support.With the tips provided here, you can plan your own successful fundraiser to make your support go further in the fight to #endPKD.
Turn Your Old Car Into Support for the PKD Community!
Do you have an old vehicle taking up space on your property? Visit www.endPKD.ca/donate to find out more about our partnership with Donate-A-Car!
Your donation will directly support the programs and services of the PKD Foundation of Canada, and will have a positive impact on the lives of those living with PKD.
Help People SEE ADPKD: Share Your Story Today!
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is one of the world’s most common, life-threatening genetic diseases. Your stories can help people paint a more powerful picture of PKD and the lives it affects.
Help give a voice to a widely unknown disease by sharing your story here.
You can read some of our Voices of PKD here!
Help give a voice to a widely unknown disease by sharing your story here.
You can read some of our Voices of PKD here!
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