Give the gift of life: sign your organ donors card. That's the message the Kidney Foundation hopes to get across through an upcoming event slated for Yorkton.
The second annual Gift of Life Fun Run & Walk will take place Saturday, June 18 and volunteer coordinator for the event Audrey Parislfoff hopes local residents will once again lend their support.
Parislfoff's family is living with kidney disease and without a transplant, her grandson's life is in jeopardy.
"Kidney disease is very common, it's a disease that is caused by either diabetes, high blood pressure, or a hereditary condition that runs in the family and that's why I'm so passionate about this."
Parislfoff's family has a history of hereditary kidney disease called Alport Syndrome.
"I lost an uncle and an older brother to kidney disease. My younger brother was fortunate to have a kidney transplant that functioned for 26 years before his passing in 2004. In 1999 my nephew, who was also diagnosed with Alport Syndrome, had a successful transplant from a kidney donated by his father."
In June of 2007 the family was dealt another blow of bad news when Parislfoff's grandson was diagnosed at the age of 15. Now 18 he's on the list for a life saving transplant.
It's a daily struggle for the teen as he attempts to maintain blood pressure, diet, goes through repeated surgeries and takes medications.
"At age 16 he had to put his life on hold to spend four hours a day/three times a week hooked up to dialysis. After four months of travelling to Regina, he has been fortunate enough to secure a spot in the Yorkton Dialysis Unit."
Although he tries to maintain as normal a lifestyle as possible, there will always be the 12 hours a week where he is held hostage by a machine as he awaits a transplant points out Parislfoff.
At present there are over 4,000 Canadians waiting for organ transplants - 3,000 are awaiting kidneys and each year 250 people die waiting.
"We want to get the word out there that it's important to sign your donor card because we do need donations."
In order to help raise needed funds and awareness, the Kidney Foundation began the Fun Run & Walk.
It's a fun, family oriented event says Parislfoff, intended for all levels of runners, walkers and wheelchair participants. Even if the doctor says 'no' to exercise, those interested can still collect pledges and come out to either volunteer or just be a part of the event. Participants can sign up as individuals, or a team.
The walk is slated for June 18 at Jaycee Beach. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk will get underway at 10:30 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to top pledge earners and there will also be snacks and entertainment provided. The first 100 registrants (over 12 years old) will receive a commemorative t-shirt.
Anyone interested in participating or volunteering can learn more by calling Audrey at 783-5259, emailing [email protected] or by visiting: www.kidney.ca/saskatchewan.
