People invited to register for events Charlottetown, Summerside Sept. 10

Plans are underway to hold Kidney Walks in Charlottetown and Summerside on Sept. 10.

Participants in Charlottetown will meet at Victoria Park and walk along the boardwalk, while others will meet at Credit Union Place in Summerside and walk along boardwalk.

Registrations at both locations start at 1 p.m. with the walks starting at 2 p.m.

Kidney walks are the cornerstones of the Kidney Foundation of Canada’s fundraising efforts.

Patients, their families and caregivers, along with medical professionals and the general public, get together annually to raise awareness and muchneeded funds for those affected by kidney disease across the country. With every step, participants help support innovative research and vital programs to improve the lives of the one in 10 Canadians living with kidney disease.

“On behalf of the board of directors for The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Atlantic branch, I encourage all residents of the Atlantic Provinces to join a walk in your area, and help support those in our region affected by kidney disease,” says board president Tom Meade.

Islanders are encouraged to connect with the kidney community in this province by creating a team, including their family, friends, coworkers and neighbours, register online at www.kidneywalk.ca and then start fundraising.

Corporate and individual registrations are also welcome.

Dr. Derek Chaudhary, one of two nephrologists in P.E.I., is the honorary chair for Kidney Walks in Prince Edward Island.

“P.E.I. has come a long way, not only in providing an onIsland renal program, but also in providing public awareness of kidney disease,’’ says Chaudhary.

“As we celebrate Kidney Walk, it is imperative that we continue to help educate all Islanders, in part, to stay as healthy as possible. I am very thankful to the Kidney Foundation of Canada for providing patient support, education and for investing in ground-breaking research, some of which has taken place right here in P.E.I.’’

For more information about the 2017 Kidney Walk, contact development coordinator Heather McGrath at 902-892-9009 or by email at heather.mcgrath@kidney.ca.

Anyone interested in volunteering with the organizing committees for either location is also welcome to get in touch with McGrath.

HEATHER MCGRATH/SPECIAL TO THE GUARDIAN Dr. Derek Chaudhary, left, honorary chairman of Kidney Walks in P.E.I., and Jason Lee, the Charlottetown Kidney Walk chairman, meet with dialysis patient Annie MacDonald and her son, Harrison Mermuys, to discuss a few details of the upcoming Kidney...