July 2025 Issue | PKD e-News
Welcome to the July e-News from the PKD Foundation of Canada! This month we have information on staying hydrated this summer, how to get involved with the 2025 Walk to END PKD, patient stories from Kim and Courtney, and more!
Walk. Support. Make Change.
Registration is now open for the 2025 Walk to END PKD!
Create your team today and start raising funds for life-changing PKD research and support programs.
No in-person Walk near you? Join our Virtual Walk from wherever you are!
Want to help out as a Walk volunteer? Sign up here!
Walk Rewards are Here!
Raise $100 = get a t-shirt
Raise $200 before Aug 18 = get a special Walk hat
All in-person registrants = free lunch on Walk day!🍴
Grab Your Walk Posters
Help spread the word!
Our Walk posters are ready to print or share online.
Put one up in your workplace, local kidney clinic, or on social media.
Meet Our Grant Recipient
We’re proud to announce our 2025–2026 research grant recipient: Dr. Sol Carriazo.
Her project will explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can help predict how ADPKD progresses.
This research is co-funded with the PKD Foundation (U.S.).
2025 Research in Plain Talk
Want to know what PKD research is being funded this year?
Find the full list of 2025 PKD Foundation (U.S.) grant recipients here on their website.
We’ve also created easy-to-understand summaries of each project on My PKD.
Not a member of My PKD yet? Join here!
My PKD = News You Need
Did you know that we post regular updates on the latest PKD research on My PKD?
Log in and go to our Live feed to stay in the know.
Not a member yet? Join here!
Speak Up for PKD!
Sharing your PKD story can change lives.
ADPKD patient Nina Young has spoken widely about her PKD and transplant experiences.
Sisters Barb Hampel and Carolyn Nagel have raised awareness about PKD and kidney transplant too.
Want to share your own story? We can help you connect with local media or appeal for a living donor.
Sip Smart This Summer
Stay cool and hydrated this summer with PKD advice from registered dietitian Emily Campbell.
This month she also shares a refreshing recipe for a strawberry pineapple smoothie that’s kidney-friendly!
Tired of Plain Water?
Plain water isn’t your only hydration option!
Check out these easy and tasty drink recipes that are safe for people with PKD and help you stay hydrated.
More Delicious Beverage Recipes
Pre-Transplant Coaching
PKD advocate Kim Holowatiuk is taking part in a unique research study on wellness and exercise for pre-transplant patients.
It’s called the Transplant Wellness program, based at the University of Calgary.
Kim shares how it’s helped her feel more self-confident and prepared for her journey ahead.
4 Voices for Kidney Care
Join us for this online event and meet four amazing PKD patients - Nick, Brenda, Phaydy, and Scott - who have used their lived experiences to shape kidney care across Canada.
From Nova Scotia to B.C., they’ve improved research, care, and patient support.
Learn how you can get involved, too!
Tue 22 Jul 2025 @ 1pm EDT
We Get It. Let's Talk.
Our PKD Mind Matters Chats are monthly peer support meetings - friendly, informal, and welcoming.
There’s no speaker, no slides, and nothing is recorded.
Just honest conversations with people who truly understand.
Tue 12 Aug 2025 @ 12 noon EDT
Tue 16 Sep 2025 @ 12 noon EDT
Register now via our event listings.
Late-Stage PKD? Join Us!
We’ve launched a new group on My PKD for people living with late-stage kidney disease (Stage 4 or 5).
Get updates and join discussions that focus on what matters most at this stage of PKD.
Not a member of My PKD? Join here!
Can't Make Our Chats?
If you can’t join our Mind Matters Chats, you might enjoy these other PKD peer support meetings, co-hosted with the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Registration is required. Visit their site to sign up.
Teen Transplant Journey
Meet Courtney Gibson, a volunteer with the Transplant Ambassador Program.
Though she doesn’t have PKD, Courtney faced kidney failure and dialysis as a teenager, then received a kidney transplant at age 16.
Her journey offers hope to young people in our PKD community facing similar challenges.