CANORA, SASK.- “It was an incredibly moving experience.”
That’s how Carrie Kalmakoff, originally from Canora, described what it was like to participate in the Kidney March, held from Sept. 11-13 in Alberta. Kalmakoff was a member of the team, “Two Steppin’ for Kidneys,” along with Kim Hladun of Canora.
Beyond teaming up for the Kidney March, Hladun and Kalmakoff have a special connection. In 2023, Hladun donated one of her kidneys to Kalmakoff’s mom, Oney Pollock of Canora. Her brother, Jonathan Kalmakoff, another former Canora resident, has also received a life-changing kidney donation.
“So for me, this was much more than a 100-kilimetre walk,” said Carrie. “Kidney divination has had a very personal impact on our family, so it was very meaningful to be able to walk alongside Kim.”
The Kidney March saw approximately 120 people, including the team “Two Steppin’ for Kidneys,” walk 100 kilometres through Kananaskis, finishing at the top of Canada Olympic Park in Calgary.
“Over the three days, we walked alongside people who had both given and received kidney donations, as well as people who had lost mothers, fathers, sisters, children and other loved ones to kidney disease,” said Carrie. “There were parents of young children who are currently on dialysis and living with kidney disease. Everyone had a story and a deeply personal reason for being there.”
Each participant was required to fundraise a minimum of $2,200 to take part, and Carrie said it definitely wasn’t easy.
“Walking 100 kilometres was much more challenging than I anticipated! We had cold weather, rain and plenty of hills, and my feet are still recovering. My toes are swollen, and I may lose one of my big toenails. But having friends show up to cheer me on at the checkpoints and family members sending messages of encouragement made such a difference.
“I feel very grateful that I was able to take part – especially alongside Kim, whose generosity changed my mother’s life.”
In addition to raising money for the battle against kidney disease, a big part of the Kidney March is also raising awareness about the importance of organ donation.
“Register as an organ donor and, just as importantly, have that conversation with your family,” said Carrie. “It is a simple step that can have a life-changing impact.”
According to information from kidneymarch.ca, “a crisis is looming.
“Four million Canadians have chronic kidney disease or are at risk. Most people don’t even know, and won’t until it’s too late. Kidney disease is the eleventh leading cause of death in Canada. Over 70 per cent of people on the organ donor wait list are waiting for a kidney. There is no cure for end-stage kidney disease.
“Kidney failure is irreversible, and each year it kills thousands of Canadians. Kidney disease cases are predicted to double in the next 10 years. Unless we stand up and take action, this silent disease will continue to take lives and livelihoods.
“Kidney disease costs millions for our healthcare system, and it devastates individuals and their families. Entire families are impacted and it’s a lifelong illness.
“Funds raised through Kidney March support people across Canada affected by kidney disease, advance world-class research, and promote and advocate for improved kidney health and organ donation.”
Donations to the Kidney March in either Carrie or Kim’s name can be made at kidneymarch.ca/donate/.
Don't count on social media to deliver your local news to you. Keep your news a touch away by bookmarking Canora Courier's homepage at this link.
Bookmark SASKTODAY.ca, Saskatchewan's home page, at this link.
