Five Canadians awarded for raising awareness about kidney disease
Participants from coast to coast share their "Kidney Stories of Hope" through The Kidney Foundation of Canada annual campaign
MONTREAL, May 3, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Kidney Foundation of Canada (KFOC) is proud to announce the winners of the fourth edition of the Kidney Stories of Hope campaign. Throughout the month of March, Kidney Health Month, participants entered the contest, giving the jury of Kidney Foundation volunteers and employees the difficult yet rewarding task of selecting five regional winners.
The wide range of incredibly inspiring stories, submitted from coast to coast, detail the challenges of living with kidney disease, applaud the support of loved ones, and radiate hope. "Our panel had a tough time choosing the winners," said Paul Shay, National Executive Director of The Kidney Foundation of Canada (KFOC). "We hope that people who read these stories will be inspired and find the strength needed to cope with the challenges of living with kidney disease."
Most people have never heard of kidney disease until it affects them, or someone they care about. Currently, more than 39,000 Canadians are being treated for kidney failure. "That is why the Kidney Stories of Hope campaign is so important," says Shay. "By asking people to share their stories, photos and videos on the internet, it gives them the forum to share this information with others who may be in the same situation." The Kidney Foundation provides a number of valuable resources for patients, their families and those at risk. More information about kidney disease can be found on the Foundation's website at www.kidney.ca.
Spearheaded by The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Stories of Hope initiative is a unique and empowering opportunity for Canadians to educate others about kidney disease while raising much needed funds.
The jury awarded five regional winners (British Columbia, the Prairies, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada) with the Shire Inspira Award for most inspirational story. Each regional winner received $500, courtesy of Shire Canada.
This year's Kidney Stories of Hope Shire Inspira awardees are:
- Todd K. Reid, Cloverdale, BC
- Lauren Herschel, Calgary, AB (Prairies awardee)
- Sharron Shepstone, Peterborough, ON
- Mia Borelli, Montreal, QC
- Judith Caissie, Moncton, NB (Atlantic awardee)
Congratulations to all of this year's participants and winners. People are invited to read Kidney Stories of Hope entries by visiting: www.kidney.ca/storiesofhope.
About The Kidney Foundation of Canada
The 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 and commitment to advancing kidney health and organ donation.
Wendy Kudeba
Acting Director, Communications and Marketing
The Kidney Foundation of Canada
Office: 1.800.387.4474, ext. 4980
Cell: 416-735-8408
[email protected]
Henda Touihri
Associate
NATIONAL Public Relations
Office: 514-843-2323
Cell: 514-781-6779
[email protected]
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