Walking for Kidney Awareness: Brandon event urges early detection and organ donation – DiscoverWestman.com

The Brandon Kidney Walk is taking place this weekend to raise funds and awareness of this disease which affects about 1 in 10 Canadians, or 4 million people.

“Kidney disease is a silent epidemic, and it’s a lot more common than people realize …”

“Kidney disease is a silent epidemic, and it’s a lot more common than people realize right now,” shares Jemma Ignacio, Event Coordinator for the Brandon Kidney Walk and spokesperson for the Manitoba Branch of the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

“You can lose up to 80% of your kidney function before experiencing anything serious, which is why awareness and early detection is so important for many,” explains Ignacio. “The journey also involves dialysis, which is 3 times a week for up to four hours at a time for the rest of their lives, or until they’re fortunate enough to receive a transplant.”

Manitoba has the longest wait times for a kidney transplant across the country

Ignacio says the unfortunate statistic in Manitoba when it comes to kidney disease is that Manitoba has the longest wait times for a kidney transplant across the country. 

“We’re averaging at around six years just to get a kidney transplant. And on top of all of that, kidney disease brings a very, very serious financial burden to patients,” she says. “They often face an extra $2000 in monthly expenses that aren’t even covered, so this disease can affect anybody, regardless of your age, your health history.” 

When asked why this is so, Ignacio says many people are interested but when it comes to signing up in this program it just doesn’t happen.  She adds it’s important to sign up in the organ donor program so that if a tragedy did happen then at least your name is in the system should your organs become available to save a life.  It’s also important to share this decision with your family members so they can help direct proceedings in a timely manner.

“So, we always encourage people to sign up for life, which is signing up as an organ donor at the sign up for life.ca website and as easy as that.  It’s really important to talk about it and to support those who are impacted,” she adds.  “The Kidney Walk is about raising both awareness and funds to support people living with kidney disease.”

Which population is at the highest risk? How can we protect our kidneys from kidney disease?

One in 10 Manitobans are either diagnosed with kidney disease or are at risk of developing it, says Ignacio.  “And one in three indigenous Manitobans are at risk of kidney disease, and so are one in three Filipinos,” she adds.

Diabetes is a factor in developing kidney disease, but so is a high fat, high cholesterol diet.

To lower the risks, Ignacio says it’s pretty much about living healthy.

“Monitor your blood pressure. Manage your blood sugar. Eat a healthy diet to reduce your salt intake. Drink more water, and that’s a big one,” she says. “It’s the same thing with smoking. I know a lot of people smoke but just don’t smoke.  It does protect your kidneys. Also, maintaining a healthy weight.  All of these things help to protect your kidneys from kidney disease.”

The Kidney Foundation is not government funded, so they rely on donor dollars and fundraisers

The Kidney Foundation is not government funded, so they rely on donor dollars and fundraisers such as the Kidney Walks to raise funds for programs and services like the Foundation’s short-term financial assistance program which helps provide extra funds for buying groceries, gas transportation to dialysis centers, the critical needs for patients managing kidney disease, says Ignacio.

“The Kidney Foundation is committed to ensuring that all Canadians with chronic kidney disease have access to high-quality healthcare and essential support,” she says. “By providing comprehensive education, we equip the public, patients, and healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to promote kidney health.  We drive change through effective advocacy for impactful policies and by funding innovative research.”

“And these donations directly support the communities in Westman Winnipeg, all of Manitoba and their local dialysis units,” she adds.

Brandon Kidney Walk Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025

Registration Time: 1:00 PM

Programs Begins: 1:30 PM

Start Time: 2:00 PM

Location: Westridge Community Centre – 32 Willowdale Crescent, Brandon

For more information visit the Kidney Walk website HERE!

Photo credit the Kidney Foundation of Canada website