News
January 20, 2021

January 2021 PKD e-News

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January 2021

Greetings!

Welcome to the PKD Foundation of Canada's January e-News! We have provided information important to helping you take action in your journey with PKD.

Learn

UPCOMING WEBINAR: Polycystic Kidney Disease & the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine

When: Thursday January 21st- 7-9pm EST

Speaker: Dr. York Pei

This is a FREE event. All are welcome!

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-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.

The PKD Foundation of Canada is proud to present this complimentary webinar, “Polycystic Kidney Disease & the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.” This webinar will give you the opportunity to ask questions to one of the world’s leading nephrologists and PKD specialists, Dr. York Pei. We hope you can join us!


Upcoming Webinars From the University Health Network

Living Kidney Donor Assessment Process

When: Monday, February 11th: 12:00pm-1:00pm EST

Speaker: Dr. Sunita Singh

This presentation will provide an overview of the living kidney donor assessment process at the Ajmera Transplant Centre, UHN.


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!


Obesity and Overweight: What You Should Know

"Everyone needs some body fat for energy, heat insulation, and other body functions. But having too much can lead to serious health problems. The more body fat you have, the greater your risk for diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, and other problems."

Read the full National Kidney Foundation article here.

 

Two Surgeries, One Procedure: Polycystic Kidney Disease Care at Mayo Clinic

"Mayo Clinic is at the forefront of research into medications and therapies for managing polycystic kidney disease. Mayo Clinic researchers have identified many of the genes that cause different forms of polycystic kidney disease.

Mayo Clinic surgeons pioneered a surgical approach that removes diseased kidneys and transplants healthy kidneys during the same surgery, eliminating the need to wait several months after transplant for kidney removal surgery."

To learn more, click here!

PKD Health Note: 10 Ways to Eat Healthy in 2021

"If you are looking for a powerful resolution for 2021, make it about committing to active self-care that's focused on your mind, body, and environment—not the scale.

Restoring balanced, healthy eating is anchored in taking good care of yourself, connecting with others, and doing more of what feels good. Ready to make eating natural for yourself again?"

Read the full Psychology Today article, that provides 10 ways to empower yourself, take positive action in all areas of your life, and change your relationship with food for the better, here.


Yoga and Polycystic Kidney Disease

Are you looking for a physical activity that’s PKD friendly, cost-effective, and can be done in the comfort of your own home? Yoga might be for you! Many of us have heard or read about the wide variety of benefits that come with practicing yoga, but is it a safe and effective activity for someone who has polycystic kidney disease?

Read the full blog post here!
Awareness

Changes to Organ and Tissue Donation in Nova Scotia

On Monday Jan. 18th, Nova Scotia has become the first jurisdiction in North America to adopt presumed consent legislation for organ and tissue donation.

Learn more about how Bill 133 will help save and improve lives here!


In The News: Kidney Kinship

Two of our 3 Halifax Chapter Coordinators, Brenda and Anita, were recently interviewed by The Chronicle Herald to talk about how they crossed paths through their shared need for a kidney transplant.

Check out the article here!



B.C. Hot Dog vendor Gives Life-Changing Christmas Gift to Frequent Customer

"Not all Christmas presents come neatly wrapped or found beneath the tree.
That’s certainly the case with one of the gifts Tim Hiscock got this year, which has literally given him a new lease on life."
Vancouver hot dog vendor, Andrew White, was the first person that Tim Hiscock told the news of his failing kidneys to and his need for a donor. Andrew offered up his help immediately and later found out he was a match. Read more about Andrew and Tim's story here!


In the News: Surrey Mother Desperately Seeks Kidney Donor

Jolene Smith, diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, is in search of a living donor in attempt to avoid dialysis.

But it’s not just her own life she’s looking to save, she needs to care for other family members.

“My daughter has brain injury from meningitis. Without me, she has to be in care, and we all know what that looks like. A child does not want to be in care. She deserves to be at home, loved and properly taken care of.”

Read the full article here!
Support

DIY2ENDPKD: How To Plan Your Own Successful Fundraiser

2020 has been 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!