More than 1,000 people came out for The Kidney Foundation of Canada's Kidney
Walk and raised $130,000

MONTREAL, May 19 /CNW Telbec/ - Sunday, May 16, in Estrie, Mauricie, Montreal, Quebec City, and Saguenay/Lac St-Jean, more than 1,000 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, President of the Montréal-Metropolitan Chapter of The Kidney Foundation / Quebec Branch and father of young Pénélope (10 years old) who is alive today thanks to a kidney transplant.

The need for organ donation is becoming more and more urgent as the number of patients with kidney disease increases at an alarming rate of about 10% annually. The need for organs for transplantation is far greater than the available supply. As of December 2007, 4,195 Canadians were on a waiting list for a transplant. Of those, 2,963 (71%) were waiting for a kidney.

"We need to encourage people to sign their medical insurance cards, because this will literally save lives," stated comedian Martin Héroux, who together with Bruno Savard acted as spokesperson of The Kidney Foundation 2010 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 Quebec City in support of the 16,900 kidney patients province-wide" said Gaétan Rhéaume, President of the Quebec City 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.

For further information: Antoine Ardiley, Communications Coordinator, The Kidney Foundation - Quebec Branch, [phone] ext. 235