1,100 people came out for The Kidney Foundation of Canada's Kidney Walk and raised $195,000

By Canada NewsWire 

MONTREAL, May 27, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ - Sunday, May 15, in Estrie, Mauricie, Montreal, Gatineau, Quebec City, and Saguenay/Lac St-Jean, 1,100 people walked in support of people living with kidney disease and to increase awareness of the need for organ donation.

"On behalf of all transplant recipients we thank all the Kidney Walk participants who have made this event a true celebration of life. Over and above having the power to save a life, organ donation improves the lives of everyone close to those who receive an organ transplantation." declared Louis Charest, The Montreal Kidney Walk Chairman and father of 11-year old Pénélope who is alive today thanks to a kidney transplant.

The need for organs for transplantation is far greater than the available supply. As of December 2010 1,241 Quebecers were on a waiting list for a transplant. Of those, 976 (78%) were waiting for a kidney.

"We need to encourage people to register their intention to be organ donors (either through the sticker on their healthcare card or through their provincial donor registry), and to speak to their family and loved ones to make sure they know their wishes, it will save lives." stated comedian Martin Héroux, who together with Bruno Savard acted as spokesperson of The Kidney Foundation 2011 Kidney Walk.

"We are extremely grateful of the support of the nephrologists, patients, their family and the public in general who took part in this year's edition of the Kidney Walk in Saguenay/Lac St-Jean in support of the 16,900 kidney patients province-wide"said Noëlla Gagné, President of the Saguenay/Lac St-Jean Chapter of The Kidney Foundation.

About The Kidney Foundation of Canada

Founded in 1964, The Kidney Foundation of Canada is a national volunteer organization whose objective is to lighten the load of kidney disease on people, their families, and the society in general. Since it started, The Kidney Foundation has financed kidney disease research, offered educative and support programs, facilitated access to quality care, and increased public awareness of how important healthy kidneys are and the need for organ donation.