I was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in 1996 at the age of 35. There is no history of PKD on either side of my family, so I have what is called a mutation. Both my children have tested negative for PKD, so that is a huge relief as the disease...
In 1998, my mother received the news that would change her life forever. Her baby boy had autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). This disease would affect his kidney function and cause him to require dialysis or a kidney transplant in the future. However the future wasn’t promised. In July...
Hello friends, good news to share: a kidney donor has been found!I’ve been holding off talking about this for a few months now. The disease makes me exhausted, and for some reason the prospect of writing this note felt too much to tackle. I also want to be very careful...
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...
How inspiring is this?! Greg took part in this year’s Bike to the Moon campaign while undergoing his dialysis treatment! Congratulations to Greg for reaching his cycling goal and a huge round of applause to him for also raising critical awareness and funds for the PKD Foundation of Canada! In total,...
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.