May 2025 Issue | PKD e-News
Welcome to the May e-News from the PKD Foundation of Canada! This month we're talking about Pedalling for PKD, nourishing your kidneys with plants, two touching PKD organ transplant stories, and more!
Ride. Raise. Repeat.
Love cycling? Here’s your chance to turn your spring rides into real impact for people with PKD. Whether it’s around the block or down a scenic trail, every kilometre this May helps fund research and support. Register now and start pedalling for a purpose!
Luisa’s Second Chance 💚
What happens when your kidneys and liver both fail? For Luisa, it meant a life-changing transplant - and a renewed drive to fight PKD. Read how this unstoppable Montreal advocate is turning her journey into hope for the next generation. Read Luisa's Story
Get Involved with the Walk!
Inspired to make a difference like Luisa, by volunteering for the 2025 Walk to END PKD? From planning to cheering on walkers, there’s a role for you. Lend a hand in your city! (Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Guelph or Calgary) Volunteer for the 2025 Walk!
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Why Plants? Why Now?
Think plant-based eating is just a fad? Not so! In this month’s blog, dietitian Emily Campbell breaks down the kidney-healthy benefits of plants - plus easy tips to help you get started, one delicious meal at a time. Read the Blog
What’s for Dinner? Try This!
Craving something fresh and flavourful? Emily’s Peanut Soba Noodle Tofu Bowl is a kidney-safe hit, packed with plant power. Find the full recipe inside this month’s blog - it’s a keeper! Want to watch how it's made? Check out the cooking demo below! Try the Recipe
Cook Along with Emily, Live!
Curious how to cook more plant proteins? Join Emily Campbell live on May 27 as she preps a tasty kidney-friendly meal (hint: using the recipe above!) and shares expert tips on eating well with PKD.
Tue 27 May @ 7pm EDT
Don’t miss it - register today!
Gift Like No Other 💚
Would you give a kidney to a friend? Kris did. Read how he changed PKD patient Joanna’s life - and how he's now speaking up for organ donation and transplant in Atlantic Canada. Read Kris's Story
A Must-See on Organ Access
How can one kidney change two lives? Watch our April webinar as Kris and Joanna share their transplant story - and learn how you can help remove barriers to organ donation in Canada. Learn more
PKD Support That "Gets" You
Living with late-stage PKD can feel isolating. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Join our next PKD Mind Matters Chat - confidential, warm, and open to patients, family, organ donors and friends.
Tue 20 May @ 12 noon EDT
A Safe Space to Share
What if your support group was led by someone who gets it? Join the conversation, led by Joy Pekar - therapist with a PKD journey. In June, she’ll host our PKD Mind Matters Chat, again with a focus on issues in late-stage PKD.
Tue 10 June @ 12 noon EDT
Note this event is 1.5 hours long! Register Here
Your PKD Event Calendar
Did you know that My PKD has a curated listing of PKD-related events from a variety organizations?
View them in
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Must-Hear PKD Podcast 🎧
In this episode of the Mayo Clinic's Health Matters podcast, Dr. Fouad Chebib - leading PKD nephrologist and researcher in the U.S. - shares four powerful ways to protect your kidney health and better understand polycystic kidney disease.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have lived with PKD for years, this is essential listening for anyone looking to take charge of their kidney journey. Tune in from My PKD and take notes - you won’t want to miss this.
Watch the Podcast Video via My PKD
Not a member of My PKD yet? Join today!
Tee Off for PKD Research
Golfing for a good cause? Yes please! Join Window Film Canada’s PKD fundraiser and help drive change.
Thu 29 May @ 8am EDT
Every swing supports vital research and patient programs. Grab your spot today!
Learn more; registrations open 'til May 23!
"Raise You $10K!" ♠️
The cards were hot - and so was the generosity! The Montreal poker tournament on April 25 raised $10,000 for PKD research, thanks to hosts St. Brendan's Knights of Columbus and their amazing sponsors.
Thank you, St. Brendan's KOC! Learn More
Research That Gives Us Hope
There are so many scientific developments related to PKD! Browse our live feed on My PKD to find stories like these:
Targeting the Genes That Drive PKD
This gene-mapping method gives a deeper understanding of how the disease works, and points to new treatment options that weren’t possible before.
A new drug called farabursen is being developed to treat ADPKD (the most common type of PKD). It's being taken over by a major global company, Novartis, which could fast-track its development and bring it to patients sooner.
Support Is Just a Click Away
My PKD is your free, confidential online space to connect with others who get it.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a long-time patient, caregiver, or donor, you’ll find helpful resources, upcoming events, and real stories from people living with PKD - just like you.
Ask questions, share experiences, or simply explore at your own pace.