A Sarnia woman is hoping to help raise awareness about kidney disease by taking part in a social media campaign hosted by The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Ontario branch.
March 10 marks World Kidney Day and March is also recognized as Kidney Health Month.
“Four million Canadians - that’s one in 10 – live with kidney disease. Despite being vital organs, kidneys are all too often overlooked or ignored as part of our overall health,” said Dr. Norman Muirhead, president of The Kidney Foundation’s Ontario branch. “That is, until you or someone you love is affected.”
Heather Williamson has dealt with kidney issues since she was five years old. She turned to social media last year in an effort to find a potential kidney donor.
"I come to the hospital three times a week for four-hour treatments. It's very hard on my body," she said.
Williamson said programs offered through the foundation, such as peer support, can be very beneficial.
"Even within our community, like our dialysis unit here in Sarnia, we all kind of get together and we know that if someone is having a problem, we can always lean on each other."
The Kidney Foundation launched the annual #SixDegreeChallenge this month and is hosting a 24-hour day of giving on March 10.
The social challenge aims to show support for those suffering from the disease and encourages people to share their own experiences. Donations to support the cause can be made online at www.sixdegreechallenge.com or by calling 1-800-387-4474 throughout Kidney Health Month.
https://kidney.akaraisin.com/ui/sixdegrees22
Funds raised will support programs and services through the foundations as well as kidney research.
Williamson said community members can also share their pictures of support with her personally by emailing heatherw.8464@gmail.com.
"I'd love to do a video and just show [The Kidney Foundation’s Ontario Branch] the support of Sarnia," she said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShB80r5vjts&t=3s