Preparing for Transplant, One Step at a Time

At the University of Calgary, researchers are developing a wellness program designed to help patients waiting for organ transplants build strength, confidence, and resilience. This 12-week program, delivered online via Zoom, combines physical movement with behaviour support to help patients improve balance, endurance, and quality of life. Though it began as a research study, the team hopes the model will become a foundation for care that can be replicated across Canada.

Kim Holowatiuk, a PKD patient and advocate who’s shared her PKD story with us previously, joined the program hoping to regain some of what her illness had taken from her. Here’s her story, in her own words.

Kim's Story

Living with Stage 5 polycystic kidney disease (PKD), I’ve experienced a huge loss of muscle mass, balance, and strength. The fatigue alone has been incredibly discouraging. I used to be very active—even an athlete—so feeling so limited now has been frustrating and disheartening.

When I first heard about this research program, I was nervous. But what encouraged me to say yes was the hope that it could help me get stronger before my kidney transplant. I know that going into transplant in better physical condition can really improve recovery. Even something as small as having the upper body strength to push myself out of a chair would make a difference—especially since my core is already compromised from the size of my kidneys and likely will be even more so after surgery.

Personal Goals

I joined the program hoping to improve my balance, stability, strength, and endurance—not just for transplant, but to manage everyday activities like cooking, gardening, and walking. It felt like a step toward taking back some control.

Right now, I’m still searching for a living donor. I run a Facebook group called Kim Needs a Kidney, where I post weekly updates to raise awareness and share my journey. I’m incredibly hopeful. But I also know that transplant isn’t the finish line—it’s the start of a new chapter, with its own challenges like lifelong medications and the risks of rejection and infection.

Showing Up

Starting the program was both exciting and intimidating. Two sessions a week doesn’t sound like much, but when you’ve been inactive for a while, it’s hard. The hardest part at first was just showing up—especially on days when the fatigue was overwhelming. I also worried about how deconditioned I was and whether I’d be able to keep up.

But what made the biggest difference was the team. The instructor and moderator were so supportive and flexible. Every movement could be adapted. You could do exercises seated, standing, or with a chair for support. That flexibility gave me the confidence to keep going.

Over time, I noticed real changes. My balance and endurance improved. On good days, I could do more movements standing instead of seated—and that felt like a win. Emotionally, I felt proud just for showing up. Knowing I was doing something to support my health—even on hard days—was empowering.

Finding Community

I also found community. Everyone in the program was going through something similar, whether they were pre- or post-transplant. That connection made me feel less alone. The progress might be slow, but it was happening. I found I had more energy to do everyday things, like cooking or walking, and I even felt ready to start incorporating more movement into my daily life.

This program reminded me that even when your body feels limited, you’re still capable of progress—one small step at a time. Staying active, even in a modified way, helped me keep moving, stay stronger, and regain confidence. I truly believe it’s one of the best things I can do to prepare for transplant.

Mentally, this experience shifted something in me. I used to get caught in comparisons—who I was before PKD, and what I can’t do now. But this program helped me let that go. Their motto, “any movement is better than no movement,” stuck with me. It taught me to focus on what I can do. That mindset has helped me build resilience and hope.

Honouring My Body

One of the most meaningful moments came during my first intake session. The instructor told me it was okay to slow down, rest, or modify movements based on how I felt. That gave me permission to honour my body, rather than push through pain. I also had the opportunity to speak at a luncheon for the program’s staff and supporters. Sharing my story gave me a deep sense of purpose and belonging.

If you’re living with PKD and thinking about joining a program like this—do it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. These programs are designed for people like us. You can start where you are, and the instructors will help you find what’s safe and right for your body.

Right now, I’m still hopeful for a pre-emptive transplant, and I pray I’ll find my living donor hero soon. This program has given me the tools to stay strong—physically and emotionally—while I wait. It’s shown me that movement, even gentle movement, can ease pain, lift my mood, and help me feel capable again.

More than anything, it’s reminded me I’m not alone. And if we can expand access to this kind of support for others facing transplant, I believe it will change lives—just like it’s changed mine.

If you’d like to follow or help share my story, please join my group: 📘 Kim Needs a Kidney on Facebook. 💚💜

Together, we can help spread the message and, hopefully, connect me with the living kidney donor hero I’ve been searching for. 🙏💜

Kim Holowatiuk, July 2025

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