kidney.bc.ca

The Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC & Yukon Branch200 – 4940 Canada WayBurnaby, BC V5G 4K6Phone Toll Free: 1-800-567-8112Fax Toll Free: 1-800-667-8871

KidneyNews WINTER 2017VOLUME 19 • ISSUE 1

Meet Nash and his TeamFor most 11-year-old boys, the three Rs stand for “Readin’, Ritin’ and Rithmetic.” For Williams Lake kidney patient Nash Overton, they stand for Remission, Relapse, and Return to hospital.

When he was 2½ years old, Nash was diagnosed with an incurable disease called nephrotic syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that attacks the kidneys, stopping the

the body. Instead, the much-needed protein is urinated out, leaving the body prone

syndrome that children can outgrow. He

strong and keep positive,” a philosophy

seems to have been born with.

beginning and he amazes us everyday that he continues to be so positive and happy through all the continual disappointments

says.

are supportive and practical. His mom says that even though Nash’s condition

his journey so they know what’s happening and can be more understanding. To this end,

https://animoto.com/play/0Ya1bNoVXCW6jbpiUd010Q

something that would channel our energy into something more positive.

And do something they did. In 2013 they

researchers will continue to discover new treatments that will keep Nash’s disease under control or provide a cure.

Nash, his parents and two sisters Reese, 9, and Halle, 5, started by holding car washes at

the general manager. The tremendous support

in some cases, around the province. They have

continued on next page >

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has”

MARGARET MEAD

Message from KFOC BC & Yukon Branch Executive Director, Pia Schindler

Welcome to our first issue of “Kidney News – One Strong Voice”, a newsletter for our Kidney Foundation members, volunteers and supporters. For those who remember, we produced a Kidney News newsletter which we stopped just over a year ago, when we made a strategic decision to redirect our resources in the short term to build our brand. We knew an internal communications vehicle was still needed, and recently we have heard requests from our kidney community to bring back a refreshed Kidney News with a real focus on our members, volunteers and supporters.

This newsletter is to celebrate our kidney community, and while we will share regular updates from the Branch, we also want to recognize all the good work happening across BC and the Yukon. Without the dedication and amazing efforts of our volunteers and supporters, and the voice of our members, we simply could not do what we do. We are so grateful to you all and cannot thank you enough. So this newsletter is for you, and to that end, we gladly welcome and accept story ideas, updates from your chapter or community, any successes or tips you want to share. Thank you.

His motto is “stay strong and keep positive,” a philosophy that his mom says he seems to have been born with.

Nash Overton with his sisters Halle and Reese

“

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Written by Pauline Buck

The Nash family

KidneyNewsWINTER 2017 VOLUME 19 • ISSUE 1

The BC & Yukon Branch Launches Program to Increase Living Kidney Donors in BCThe BC & Yukon Branch recently launched the Living Donor Mentor Program with the hopes that this initiative will help increase the number of living kidney donors in BC.

kidney donors to connect with those who have been through the process

volunteers are then matched with interested potential kidney donors to

training.

potential living donors. "This new mentoring program is a great way to help potential donors

Anyone who may be considering being a living kidney donor to a BC or Yukon resident and who is interested in speaking with someone who has been through the experience, should contact The BC and Yukon Branch about their Living Donor Mentor Program at 1-866-390-PEER (7337).

Meet Nash and his Teamcontinued from page 1

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July 27th, in time to discover that the Walk was a go and to help promote the event.

with kidney disease who spread awareness and show people that

and enthusiasm are much appreciated.

The PKD Foundation has been working hard with local Mayors and cities across

Kidney Disease.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8m9R_KF4e_Y)

City of Vancouver Proclaims a PKD Day

Home Hemodialysis and TravellingDid you know if you are a home hemodialysis

patient using the NxStage machine, it is possible to travel both in or outside BC.

The BC Renal Agency has all the details in a step- by-step guide to help you plan your dialysis care

away from home. Go to the BC Renal Agency website at BCRenalAgency.ca

for all the details.

Volunteers in Action!In honour of the Kidney Walk 10 year anniversary, we would like to celebrate the top 10 fundraisers and top 10 teams for the 2017 Kidney Walk.

Top 10 FundraisersFinderson AlvesElaine AndrewsTom ClarkSteve CookAnnick LimNash OvertonAshley PooleChristine RobinsonRandy SpensleyKellie Wesley

Top 10 TeamsHailey’s CometsKandawala Needs a KidneyKidney CaptainsKiran’s AngelsRBCRenal RenegadesSaving Lives… One Step at a TimeShabrina’s Shimmering StarsTeam NashThe Lewis and Clark Expedition

AMAZING FACT:British Columbians and Yukoners have logged an incredible 26,000,000 kilometers and raised over $2,000,000 over the past 10 years through The Kidney Foundation’s flagship event, The Kidney Walk, in support of kidney patients and their families.

Congrats,You Did It!Kidney Walk Campaign a Great Success!

The 2017 Kidney Walk raised over $340,000 and counting for kidney patients across BC and the Yukon!This achievement is in no small part due to the hundreds of dedicated volunteers, countless sponsors & donors, the media and, of course, the thousands of participants who came out to one of 16 Kidney Walks on September 24 (October 29 in Prince George) to make this happen.

Thank you! You have made our kidney community proud!

This year is especially important as it marks the 10th anniversary for the Kidney Walk campaign. That’s right, 10 years ago, a special group of people, known as the Sons of Scotland, initiated a ‘Tartan Stroll’ around Trout Lake in Vancouver, which became the inspiration behind The Kidney Walk campaign as we know it today.

Thanks to the Sons of Scotland, and the tremendous support of thousands of volunteers, donors and sponsors, The Kidney Walk has grown to become one of our biggest success stories.

Here’s to another 10 years of successful Kidney Walks!

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KidneyNewsWINTER 2017 VOLUME 19 • ISSUE 1

Pssst.. Did you know that The Kidney Foundation has it’s very own TV show called, PLUGGED IN?

If you haven’t seen it already, PLUGGED IN is a one-of-a-kind show produced twice a month by the BC & Yukon Branch, and we air on SHAW TV and SHAW Multicultural across BC and on our YouTube channel. Our show shares health content on all topics important to the kidney community in an innovative and light-hearted format. Yes, we do like to have a little fun on our show.

PLUGGED IN is made up of the very people we connect with daily in our kidney community. We showcase your stories, triumphs and challenges. Our guests are kidney patients, living donors, family members, caregivers, kidney dogs, volunteers, health care experts, government and supporters.

PLUGGED IN is another vehicle to help us increase awareness and promote education about everything kidney, and through this platform we are leveraging technology in an innovative way which is allowing us to reach people we may never have reached before.

Check us out… and if you have a story idea, we would love to hear from you.

You can find all the episodes on our website at kidney.bc.ca or on YouTube, search “Kidney BCY TV” or catch us on SHAW TV or SHAW Multicultural. Local listings on our PLUGGED IN webpage.

Are you Plugged In?

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Now airing across BC on

Contest AlertSubscribe to our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKxPMd77BHNnHOd3Mf8EJaA) and be entered to win one of four $25 gift certificate to Chapters. Send an email to barbarav@kidney.bc.ca as soon as you have subscribed and we will announce winners on the second show in January and notify you by email.

Coming soon in 2018… If you like Dancing with the Stars, Family Feud or Top Chef… then just wait!

Kidney Kids stir up some yummy “holiday” pancakes with Posh Pantry Owner, Angie Cordoni

Daughter, Bethany Ireland and dad, Ray Fast, bring their remarkable living kidney donor story to the big screen

Talkin’ Kidney Host, David C. Jones, talks to British Columbians about what they know and don’t know about their kidney health

5pageKidneyNews ONE STRONG VOICESt. Paul’s Renal Resource Dietitian, Dani Renouf,

dishes out some great nutritional tips

PKD patient, Elyse Gawley, gets up close and personal with Host, Deborah Tucker

Kidney Kids host the winter wonderland holiday special

Welcome AboardThe BC and Yukon Branch would like to extend a heartfelt welcome to the new members who have joined The Kidney Foundation since January 2017. We look forward to connecting with you and learning more about your interests and how we can support you. A big welcome to the following new Kidney Foundation Members:

Felix ChiangAnita ChiuElla FungYiu Wing FungHelen GiangBill HsiaJack JiaHoi Ping LauPeter LauBill LeeHon W. LeeJulia LeeLinda LeeShung-Ying LeeHoward LiHelen LiauJack J. LiuPing LoRuby MaYiHsin MaPatrick NgZxing NgSakKiew PangPamela ShekShao Y. SimRenato TioCeaser TongYan Ho Tse

Glenn PowersLeona BackmanBarbara Haight-SmithDavid G. AngusArthur BittnerLauretta CourtemancheNigah G. KuarEugene MaddenElsie MeldrumGeri MooreWilf UhlenbrockTeresa BackxSally HaynesShane BeltramoDonna ClarkLisa ClementFay EckertDiana FanJudy FanMabel FanAngela FretterLucille JacobsenFred MuntauElaine RawlingsLana TomlinsonBetty VanderlansKulwarn S. VirkJoyce James

Anny Chan, Terry Chan and Monica Lee host PLUGGED IN live from the spectacular Jun Hua Chinese Opera

Mimi Luk interviews nephrologists, Dr. Ron Werb and Dr. Anthony Chiu, about O2P’s upcoming race at the International Dragon Boat competition in Hong Kong

BC & Yukon Branch Past President, Ron Walker, shares his story

KidneyNewsWINTER 2017 VOLUME 19 • ISSUE 1

for Kidney Patients

Advocating for policies and programs that meet the needs of people living with chronic

patients.

patients with an aHUS diagnosis who were unable to access the drug Soliris in BC. This medication can be life-saving and is covered by other provinces.

access to the best treatment as recommended by the patient’s own physician. In this case the

Advocacy, whether it is driven by one individual, a group or supported through an

Tips to survive and thrive during the holiday seasonFor many, the holidays represent a joyous time of the year but they may also be overwhelming, and at times stressful. Make sure you take care and look after your own emotional and physical well-being during the season. Below are 5 tips to help manage and feel your best during this time.

• Food is a big part of the holiday season, and sticking to your renal diet can be stressful at times. When attending a holiday event, planning ahead where possible can help. This might mean checking with a restaurant about their menu options or letting your host know if there are dietary restrictions that could help with menu planning.

• The holiday season can be expensive with gifts and social events. Set a realistic budget and do your best to stick to it! Consider home-made gifts. Baking is always a great option. Remember it is the thought that counts.

• While the holidays can be a very social time of year, for others it can also be a lonely time. Look for other ways to stay connected during the season, such as reaching out to a local faith group or community organization or offering to volunteer.

• Maintain healthy habits. Regular sleep and physical activity are easy ways to ensure that you feel your best.

• Seek professional help if needed. If despite your best efforts you still feel you are experiencing the symptoms of depression, speak to your Renal Social Worker or mental health professional in your renal unit.

Source: The Kidney Foundation of Canada

Super Quick and No Added Sugar Cranberry Sauce Serves: 40 (for 100 people, prepare 2 and 1/2 recipes)Serving Size: 2 tablespoonsCarbs per Serving: 2.6 g (under 3 calories per serving!)Prep Time: <10 minutesSkill Level: Super Easy

Nothing goes better with Turkey than Cranberry Sauce, except maybe gravy and mashed potatoes, but that will be a discussion for another day. Check this out—cranberry sauce is loaded with sugar, but more specifically high fructose corn syrup. One serving of cranberry sauce will add nearly 100 calories and over 22 carbs! It doesn't have to be that way. Here's a recipe for home-made cranberry sauce without all the added sugar and it will taste a lot better than what is in the can. Did I mention that this recipe is really, really easy?

Ingredients:4 cups fresh cranberries2 cups water1/2 cup Fructevia, Stevia Blend or 1/16 teaspoon Stevia Brands Pure Stevia Powder2 tablespoons orange zest

Recipe submitted byEdna Humphreys

DirectionsFine grate orange peel and set aside.Place cranberries and water in a medium saucepan. Over high heat, cook until the cranberries burst.Lower heat to simmer.Stir in orange zest, Fructevia, Stevia Blend, or Pure Stevia Powder.Continue cooking 15 minutes.Allow to cool and serve.

Be Part of Can-SOLVE and Help Transform Kidney CareCanada’s largest-ever research initiative, Can-SOLVE Network (Canadians Seeking Solutions to Innovations to Overcome Chronic Kidney Disease), is set to transform kidney health care as we know it today.

Determining the best course of treatmentEnsuring delivery of best patient care

discovery.

cansolveckd.ca

Want to get involved?

the patient and caregiver perspective. One key way patients and caregivers can get involved is through Regional Patient Networks.

To learn more, contact Janeen Tronnes, Manager, Volunteer Engagement at 604-558-6881 or 1-800-567-8112 Ext. 224

2018 PKD Kidney Patient Journey The BC & Yukon Branch will be offering a Kidney Patient Journey, peer support event for those with Polycystic Kidney Disease. This event will take place in early 2018 — the date and location within BC to be based upon where the greatest interest lies.

Anyone with PKD who might be interested in attending a morning session with a nephrologist and a facilitator, please email or call Heather Johnson, Director of Programs:

heatherj@kidney.bc.ca 1-800—567-8112 ext 227

There will be an opportunity to share your story and gain support from the other PKD participants.

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7pageKidneyNews ONE STRONG VOICE

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

assist in sustaining our programs which operate on an ongoing basis. A monthly donation of $25 (not even a dollar a day!) covers the cost of 12 nights a year at one of our Kidney Suites

1-800-567-8112 (ext. 240) or pbilusack@kidney.bc.ca

The BC & Yukon Branch creates buzz with Mayors at UBCM

As many of you know, The Kidney Foundation has made a commitment to increase organ donation and kidney transplantation by 50% by 2020.

and leaders to help gain their support and make

Saving Lives through Organ Donation campaign, engaging with them through our Kidney Walk campaign, and sharing

PLUGGED IN

as community leaders supporting organ donation, in addition to photo opportunities via our social media wall.

“Mayors’ Challenge” to engage their

Donation” this April during National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week (NOTDAW).

#OneStrongVoice

Kidney Foundation Shares the WealthThe Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC & Yukon Branch received a generous bequest that resulted in an annual endowment of $55,000. We were cast with the

devices will be used to measure and track vascular

be able to support kidney

manner. Hospitals will have a chance each year

through this endowment.

Volunteer AlertWe need your help! Calling all volunteers who would like to help us launch a “Mayors’ Challenge” this April. This could include sharing your story or organ donation information at an upcoming council meeting. Or perhaps you might be interested in offering your help to your local Mayor’s office to do an organ donation blitz in April.

Want to learn more? Please contact Janeen at jtronnes@kidney.bc.ca

KidneyNewsWINTER 2017 VOLUME 19 • ISSUE 1

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PRIVACY STATEMENTThe personal contact information that we have on file for you is used for the purpose of sending you this newsletter. If you do not wish to continue to receive this newsletter, kindly email us at info@kidney.bc.ca or phone 1-800-567-8112 to be removed from the mailing list. Please allow 30 business days for us to update our records.

THE KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF CANADAThe Kidney Foundation of Canada is the national volunteer organization committed to reducing the burden of kidney disease through funding and stimulating innovative research, providing education and support, promoting access to high quality healthcare, and increasing public awareness of and commitment to advancing kidney health and organ donation. Please visit our website at www.kidney.bc.ca for more information. The information contained in this publication is not intended to be a treatment guide. For specific information, please consult your physician.

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The Kidney Foundation Rolls out Prevention ProgramThe BC & Yukon Branch was successful in securing a grant for $200,000 from the Ministry of Health to offer a Targeted Screening Program in BC. We

to review their results with a registered nurse.

kathym@kidney.bc.ca

Kidney Foundation Chapters & Community Groups make all the difference. Check us out today! Chapters are the heart and soul of the BC & Yukon Branch, and are involved in all of The Kidney Foundation’s fundraising and public awareness activities. Chapter & Community Group members (AKA volunteers) join together across BC & the Yukon to make a meaningful difference in the lives of kidney patients and their families. Members also help raise public awareness of the seriousness of kidney disease, encouraging people to keep their kidneys healthy. We have 13 Chapters & Community Groups. For more information on how you can get involved, contact Janeen at 604-558-6871 or jtronnes@kidney.bc.ca

Chinese Renal Association Eagle Ridge Chapter Kamloops Chapter MSA - Abbotsford / Upper Fraser Valley Chapter Nanaimo Chapter Prince George Chapter

Quesnel Chapter South Asian Chapter South Okanagan Chapter Terrace Chapter Vancouver Kidney ClubVictoria ChapterYukon Chapter

Chapters & Community Groups

Janeen Tronnes comes to the Kidney Foundation with over 20 years of relationship building in Sales and has the personal affiliation to the Foundation as she has a child with Chronic Kidney Disease. In her role as Manager of Volunteer Engagement, she will work directly with the Volunteers to figure out how both the Kidney Foundation and the Volunteers can gain the satisfaction of working to assist the Renal Community in BC and the Yukon. As Chapter Liaison, she will ensure that the Chapter members remain connected

with each other, that the Branch continues to stay connected with the Chapters and Volunteers and ensures that there is a continuous flow of information to the Chapters, their members and the invaluable Volunteers. On a personal note, her daughter (11), has had CKD since she was 5, has been a Kidney Camp (sponsored by the Kidney Foundation) attendee for the last 5 years and has been looked after by the wonderful Renal team at Childrens. “Life may provide challenges in our lives, but it is what we choose to do with them that make the difference.”

Hi everyone. I'm Mimi Luk and my position with the Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC & Yukon Branch is: Regional Fundraising Coordinator - Community Initiatives. I work closely with Marie Hesse, Director of Community Initiatives and the Community Initiatives Team, to provide support to the Kidney Walk and other fundraisers and to cultivate new support and to steward

our existing supporters within our community, including the renal and Asian community. One of my roles is to collaborate with the Chinese Renal Association volunteers on the planning and execution of fundraising events such as the Jin Hua Opera Fundraiser. I also work with the Fund Development team to engage nephrologists and the renal care community to build support for the Kidney Walk and other Fundraising activities and events.

Say Hello to Two New BC & Yukon Branch Staff