October 2017 PKD e-News
LEARN
The 2017 Canadian PKD Symposium
We invite you to join us for the 2017 Canadian PKD Symposium - Canada’s premier educational event featuring leading national and international speakers on PKD.
When: Saturday, November 25, 2017. Registration & breakfast begins at 7:30 am. Program to start at 8:30 am.
Where: Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre
The Symposium is an amazing opportunity to connect, learn and share experiences with others in the PKD community. We hope to see you there!
Check out our website or view the detailed program for more information.
PKD Health Notes: Avoiding Halloween Health Hazards
Halloween is here and treats are abound! For many people with kidney disease, there are certain candies that can still be enjoyed.
Check out this article which contains a list of renal-friendly candies, along with treats that are commonly recommended to avoid for people with kidney disease or on dialysis.
Upcoming Montreal Chapter Educational Meeting - Science Café: Perspectives on PKD
The Montreal Chapter and Italian Cultural Institute invite you to join us for this educational meeting featuring local experts to highlight the close reality of PKD and the strengths of the local community. This event will include short presentations from the perspective of a patient living with PKD, a nephrologist caring for them, and the scientists carrying out PKD research.
When: Friday, November 17, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Where: Dollard-des-Ormeaux Community Centre
See full event details, the list of speakers and submit your RSVP here!
SUPPORT
This Year in Fundraising
Fundraising and volunteerism on a local level is vital to the strengthening of the PKD Foundation of Canada's mission and vision on an annual basis. We are very fortunate to have the support of tireless volunteer Chapter Coordinators and their committees who host creative and entertaining events to raise funds for critical PKD research and advocacy.
Below is highlight of some of the events held throughout 2017 that did a wonderful job of shining a much needed spotlight on PKD in their local communities. Many thanks to our volunteers and attendees who helped to make these events as memorable as they were!
April 8, 2017
The Hamilton Chapter's dance fundraiser raised $6,000 this past April! Guests were entertained by the lively swing era music from the Jumpin' Jive Band and lindy hop lessons provided by the amazing Hammer Hoppers.
May 28, 2017
The Montreal Chapter and Sophisticada Productions brought us an afternoon of incredible performances of song and dance by talented artists from across Montreal. Music Heals raised $11,000 in its second year!
View the photos for Music Heals on Facebook.
Ottawa Chapter: Kidney Casino Night
The Ottawa Chapter put together their very first Kidney Casino Night. Chapter members and guests played poker, blackjack, and roulette to help raise money for PKD at the Kanata Sports Club and raised $1,600!
View the photos for Kidney Casino Night on Facebook.
September 2017
This past September, the Walk to END PKD was once again held in Guelph, Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. Since 2007, this signature fundraising event has raised over $1 million. This year, 1,020 pairs of shoes walked to end PKD, 6.3 million steps were taken to end PKD and over $167,000 were raised to END PKD!
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View more photos of the 2017 Walk to END PKD on Facebook.
Recognizing the Ties Between Chronic Kidney Disease and Mental Health
Adjusting to life with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be stressful and emotionally challenging. The diagnosis may affect not only patients, but also family and close friends. It is important to detect early signs of depression and anxiety, and provide patients with necessary support. Don't be silent, seek help!
Click here to read the guide about CKD and mental health from the organization SANE Australia.
For more information on Canadian resources and support, visit the Canadian Mental Health Association's website.
BLOG: PKD Will Not Beat Me - Communication Within PKD Families
This month in Valen's blog, Valen shares with us how emotions can play a role in the way families talk (or don't) about PKD:
"I look at PKD as a family disease. For those of us who are not victims of a spontaneous mutation of PKD, it is likely that we are surrounded by numerous family members who are battling the same disease. One would think that we’d have great support surrounding us, but sometimes it’s hard to talk to – and support – our loved ones who battle PKD when we are in the trenches with it, too."
PKD Will Not Beat Me is an inspirational place for those seeking a positive environment to meet others with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) - to share stories, to ask questions and to make life-long friendships, encouraging each other to live positively along the way! PKD Will Not Beat Me is written by PKD patient and transplant recipient Valen Keefer.
AWARENESS
Realistic Progression of PKD Recreated in a Laboratory Setting
Until recently, scientists have been unable to recreate the progression of polycystic kidney disease in a laboratory setting. The University of Washington Medicine researchers can now track the early stages of PKD by creating and manipulating mini-kidney organoids that contain a realistic micro-anatomy. A report will be coming out showing that, by substituting certain physical components in the organoid environment, cyst formation can be increased or decreased.
Webinar: The Emotional Toll of PKD
Our friends at the PKD Foundation (U.S.) invited Margot Trout-Keys, LCSW, to discuss the emotional toll PKD takes on a person and their family. Learn tips for coping and get advice for staying positive in the face of health adversity.
New Work of Fiction Features a Character with PKD
American author, Robin Strachan, recently published her book Listening for Drums, which features a supporting character with PKD inspired by her family history with PKD.
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