CANORA – “Four million Canadians have chronic kidney disease or are at risk. Most people don’t even know until it’s too late.”
This startling information has motivated numerous Canadians, including Kim Hladun of Canora and Carrie Kalmakoff, originally from Canora, to get involved in the Kidney March scheduled for later this year in September.
With Organ Donor Awareness Day coming up on April 7, Hladun and Kalmakoff were eager to create awareness regarding their endeavour.
They are calling their team, “Two Steppin’ for Kidneys.” Several years ago, Hladun donated one of her kidneys to Kalmakoff’s mom, Oney Pollock. Her brother, Jon Kalmakoff, has also received a life-changing kidney donation.
Hladun indicated that the two of them, along with the other participants, will be walking a total of 100km during the three-day march, just over 33km per day, “to spread awareness about Kidney disease and the need for organ donors. The walk starts at Kananaskis in Alberta. Each participant is required to raise a minimum of $2,200 to participate.
“I’m always keeping an eye out for different events and ways to promote awareness about the importance of organ donation as well as the need for more living donors,” said Hladun. “As a living donor I am honoured to be participating in another life changing experience while raising money for such an important cause. So when I saw the Kidney March shared on Facebook I immediately reached out for more information about the event, as I am always up for a new challenge as well.”
When asked what she would tell anyone considering becoming a living organ donor, Hladun replied, “Just Do It!
“It is a life changing experience or both the donor and the recipient, with my greatest feeling is knowing that because of me someone is able to return to living their life to the fullest and not spending the majority of their time receiving dialysis. We only need one kidney to survive (some people are born with only one and may not even know it or notice any difference). I have no regrets about being a donor and would do it all over again in a heartbeat.”
Hladun said lack of awareness is one of the main reasons why there are not more living organ donors.
“I wasn’t aware of the living donor program until I saw an article about someone in need of a kidney and a dear friend mentioned that she was getting tested to see if she was a match. That sparked my interest! Since donating I have made it my goal, passion and legacy to continue spreading the word about the need for living donors as well as the importance for people to sign their donor cards.
“With Organ Donor Awareness Day coming up on April 7, I encourage everyone to have the conversation with their family members and make their wishes known. And if you haven’t signed your donor card, please consider signing it as well.”
For Carrie Kalmakoff, as mentioned earlier the organ donation cause “is very close to my heart. Kidney disease has had a profound impact on my family. Both my brother and my mother have lived with its effects and have received life-changing kidney transplants. Taking part in the Kidney March feels deeply personal and meaningful to me.
“When my mom’s donor, Kim, invited me to join her, I was honoured and excited to take part alongside her.
“Simply put, Kim’s donation saved my mom’s life, just as my brother’s donor transformed his. Watching a loved one’s health steadily decline while waiting, without knowing if or when a donor will be found, is incredibly difficult. There is a real sense of helplessness in not being able to change that outcome. Organ donation changes everything.”
She has a message for anyone thinking about becoming an organ donor.
“Register as an organ donor and, just as importantly, have that conversation with your family. It is a simple step that can have a life-changing impact. Supporting initiatives like the Kidney March also makes a meaningful difference. Funds raised help those in need and support continued progress in this vital area.”
Hladun also has a number of other fundraisers on the go:
- She has set up “Drop & Go” at SARCAN under the name of ‘Kidney March.’ Anyone interested in donating their recycling can drop their donations off at any Sarcan Drop & Go.
- She has made and sold several pairs of beaded hoop earrings (different sizes of hoops and colours of beads available).
- She is selling 50/50 squares for $20 each. The winner will receive half of however many squares are sold out of the 100 squares available.
The Kidney March is scheduled for Sept. 11-13.
For more information, or to make a donation, feel free to email Kim Hladun at hladunk67@gmail.com. For cash donations of $20 or more donors will receive a tax receipt.
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