Staying alive
Ottawa kidney patient keeps an active lifestyle for long-term health
Twenty years ago, Ottawa resident Diana Aiello was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. As her kidney function decreased, Aiello began daily dialysis treatments that left her too exhausted and lethargic to be physically active.
Today, Aiello hits the gym five days a week and keeps fitness a top priority thanks to a fitness grant from the Alive to Strive Kidney Fitness Project, an Ottawa-based non-profit organization that supports chronic kidney patients in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“The fitness grant has changed my life,” says Aiello, who does yoga, strength training and zumba. “I have more drive and ‘pep’ to do things with my 10-year-old daughter. I feel like a new person.”
Aiello received a one-year membership to the Athletic Club and worked with a personal trainer. She lost 23 pounds and 20 inches in the first three months.
“Over the years, being sick and on dialysis, I lost a lot of muscle mass,” reflects Aiello. “Now my muscles are coming back. I enjoy activities again, like bike rides and walks, and playing with my daughter. I am much happier, mentally and physically.”
Alive to Strive offers fitness and weight loss grants to patients of the Ottawa Hospital who are on dialysis or with kidney function below 30 per cent. Aiello’s dedication to a healthy lifestyle made her an ideal grant recipient.
In recognition of her results, Aiello was named this year’s Alive to Strive Race Champion. “I want to inspire others with kidney disease, to serve as an example of what is possible when you make that promise to yourself to be healthy and active.”
Funding for the Alive to Strive Kidney Fitness Project is made possible through the Alive to Strive Race. This year’s 1k, 5k and 10k walk/run and 5k team challenge takes place on April 28 at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Mayor Jim Watson will help kick off the 5k race.
The chip timed race is on a certified course for participants who need qualifying times for other races. Strollers are welcome in the 1k and 5k walk/run. Participants receive a free lunch and massage therapy. Top winners of the 10k race win cash prizes. Last year’s event raised $14,500 thanks to almost 500 runners, including eight dialysis patients and sponsors Fresenius Medical Care, Alexion Pharma Canada, Sanofi, Gambro and Amgen.
Aiello will participate in the 5k race on a team with other Ottawa Hospital dialysis patients. “I’m looking forward to getting to the start line with my team. We each have a story of how we got there.”
Reflecting on how far she’s come, Aiello is committed to her longterm health. “I want to stay strong and healthy to be ready for a kidney transplant. I would like to have a longer life for my daughter. She is my life and what I live for.”
Register online for Alive to Strive Race at www.alivetostrive.ca before April 24.