Willie Van Dyk "When I was around the age of 35 (1996) I was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. PKD is an inherited disorder where clusters of cysts to develop within your kidneys, causing your kidneys to enlarge and lose function over time." Nettie Van Dyk "When my husband, Willie,...
My name is Luisa Miniaci-Di Leo. Last October I turned 63, and each sunrise makes me feel bittersweet because I have already outlived my grandmother. I’m a resident of Dollard Des Ormeaux, and Montreal Chapter and Walk Coordinator for the PKD Foundation of Canada. Here’s why I took on the role as...
My name is David Lafleche and I am very pleased to have this opportunity to share my story and journey with PKD. It has been a long journey with a diagnosis going back to around my college days that resulted in some very early and profound life-changing decisions.
“YOU need to see a doctor!” said the nurse, pointing a finger and using her most serious voice. I was in an advanced first aid class with several Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers. My partner and I were struggling to take blood pressure measurements “old school”: manually with the blood...
When I was around the age of 35 (1996) I was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Being that I was diagnosed while I was still in the early stages, it did not really affect my day to day living. It was not until about 7-10 years later that I...
My name is Sarah and I am a marathon runner and Ironman triathlete. I ran my first road race when I was ten years old, but only got into running more seriously in grade twelve when I decided to train for a half marathon.
My parents emigrated from the Netherlands in 1952 when my oldest sister Martha was 1 year old. Our mother had three children at that time, Martha being the youngest. Theo and Al were 3 and 2, respectively. Once in Canada they had four more children, Frank, John, Mary Ellen and...
I found out that I have ADPKD just before my 45th birthday. I had just won a silver medal at the UEAJJF Canada National Pro Brazilian Jiujitsu Championship, and felt like my soul had been sucked away after throwing my opponent to the ground and landing on his hipbone with...
My name is Anastacia, and I am a 22 year old young woman. I, along with my mother and older brother, have ADPKD. My mother was diagnosed with ADPKD when she was 24 years old, shortly after I was born. Due to my mother’s adoption, she knew nothing of her...
I am a young 67-year-old mom and grandmother to a son, daughter and four beautiful grandchildren. My preliminary diagnosis was around the age of 20, with confirmation when my kidney was removed at the age 40.After years of pain and kidney infections leading up to my young adult years, my...