September 2017 PKD e-News
SUPPORT
The 2017 Walk to END PKD Registration is Now Open!
575 Centennial Park Blvd
Etobicoke, ON M9C 4V1
Join us for the 16th annual Toronto Walk to END PKD as we unite to raise awareness and funds for critical Canadian PKD research. Stay after the Walk and enjoy live music, face-painting and a complimentary BBQ.
Even if you are unable to attend the Walk to END PKD or don't have an event in your area, you can still make an incredible impact in raising awareness and funds for critical PKD research! By making a personal donation, your efforts will help strengthen the direct funding of the PKD Foundation of Canada's mission to promote programs of research, advocacy, education, support and awareness in order to discover treatments and cure for PKD and improve the lives of all it affects!
Upcoming Edmonton Chapter Meeting
Where: Re/Max Central Edmonton
10805 120 St NW
Edmonton, AB T5H 3P9
Gather with local PKD patients and advocates to share your ideas about future meeting topics and what you want out of your local PKD chapter. We will discuss volunteer opportunities within the chapter, fundraising ideas over the next year, and potential guest speakers for future meetings. RSVP here!
Upcoming Calgary Chapter Meeting
When: Saturday, September 30th
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Where: Nicholls Family Library
1421 33 St SW
Calgary, AB T3C 1P2
Join us to share your ideas about future meeting topics and what you want out of your local PKD chapter. We will discuss volunteer opportunities within the chapter, fundraising ideas over the next year, and provide you with updates on chapter initiatives. RSVP here!
PKD Health Notes: Coconut Breaded Baked Chicken
Find more renal-friendly recipes here.
SUPPORT
Save the Date: 2017 Canadian PKD Symposium!
When:
Saturday, November 25th
Registration & breakfast: 7:30 am
Program: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Where:
Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel - Conference Centre
801 Dixon Road, Toronto ON, M9W 1J5
Registration:
There is a $25 fee to attend this event.
Light breakfast, snacks, lunch and beverages will be provided throughout the day.
The symposium is open to the public and will include participants from the PKD medical community and various renal healthcare centres, as well as PKD patients, their families and loved ones.
We are planning a day filled with valuable information and subject matter relevant to those affected by PKD. Hear from top Canadian and International Key Opinion Leaders in the field; learn about important ways to manage various aspects of one's PKD diagnosis.
Topics will include:
- Understanding PKD in Children
- What's New in PKD Research
- Eating Healthy with PKD
- Question & Answer Period with Our Guest Speakers
View the full event program for the symposium here.
Looking for More Information Online About PKD? Visit Our FAQs Page
Find some of the most frequently asked questions about an ADPKD or ARPKD diagnosis in a variety of categories, including living, nutrition and treatment options here.
AWARENESS
National Post Feature: Britney Ambrose of Calgary, Alberta, Shares her Journey with PKD
"Britney Ambrose felt isolated and at times depressed after she was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in university. The 32-year-old Calgary resident had experienced kidney problems in her teens, but was shocked to find out she was living with a chronic and potentially life-threatening illness. For many years she had no one to talk to about a condition that sapped her energy, and left her with so many questions about the future."
Local Recognition for PKD Awareness Day Reaches Canadians Coast to Coast!
Health Canada once again recognized September 4th as National PKD Awareness Day, which saw amazing traction both online and in print media.
In addition to Health Canada's support, we also received local proclamation recognition in Barrie ON, Calgary AB, Edmonton AB, Halifax NS, Newmarket ON, Niagara Falls ON, Ottawa ON, Richmond Hill ON, Saskatoon SK, Sudbury ON, Toronto ON and Vancouver BC!
Having such a strong contingency of mayoral and council support for PKD Awareness Day and our mission was truly inspiring to see. We know next year we will see even more towns and cities join in the fight to END PKD.
See more photos of the Welland Bridge 13 END PKD Illumination on Facebook
New Blog Post: PKD Will Not Beat Me - Tips for Caring for Yourself During Hospital Stays
This month in Valen's blog, she shares with us 13 tips for caring for yourself.
"Tip #3. When we're admitted to the hospital, it is vital to focus on our care versus trying to update all of our friends and family on how we are doing, which can be exhausting. Delegate that task to someone else until your health is stable and you are feeling up to it. For example, when I was in the hospital, I gave my phone to my mom and let her respond to everyone that reached out. Use your valuable time to rest."
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.