Not everyone realizes they have the power to give the gift of life. The second annual Yorkton Give the Gift of Life Fun Run and Walk saw approximately 60 participants run and walk to raise awareness and funds for kidney disease and organ donation. Approximately $9,000 was raised in the event.
Audrey Parisloff, volunteer coordinator for the Kidney Foundation Fun Run and Walk, says that the event has two goals. One is to raise money for the Kidney Foundation, and the other is to get people talking to their families about organ donation. She says it's not just important to sign a donor card, but to speak to one's family as well, to ensure that even in an accident, everyone knows your wishes.
Parisloff says that she became involved because her family has been touched by kidney disease over the years. A nephew and a brother have received kidney transplants, and a grandson is on dialysis waiting for one. She says it's been important to their family because she sees the difference a transplant can make.
"It can help a lot of people out, signing that card and giving people those organs," Parisloff says.
With kidney disease, people are able to donate if they're still alive. Tim Duchek is an organ donor, giving one of his kidneys to his son. As a live donor, he says it was a complicated process, involving a large number of tests before he could finally go through the surgery. It has been twelve years since the donation, and Duchek says he's glad he did it.
"It's made his life a lot better, and for me I haven't noticed any difference," Duchek says.
Parisloff notes that the raffle run during the event saw money go to a local cause, with money being donated to the local kidney dialysis unit. She says it's important for an event like this to support local initiatives as well as provincial ones. Money from the walk itself went to the Saskatchewan Kidney Foundation, and she notes that the money stays in the province.
Parisloff encourages people who were unable to attend the event to visit www.kidney.ca/saskatchewan and donate to a worthy cause.
