West Islanders rally for kidney health month

BY CATHERINE LEROUX

Over 6,200 patients suffer from renal insufficiency in the Greater Montreal area. Without preventive efforts, that number is expected to double in the next 10 years.

The contribution of the Kidney Foundation of Canada is, therefore, more crucial than ever. As part of Kidney Health Month, nearly 1,000 volunteers will collect donations throughout the West Island area for the Foundation’s March Drive Campaign, including Dollard des Ormeaux, Dorval, Kirkland, Ile Bizard, Pointe Claire and Ste. Anne de Bellevue.

The objective for the western area of Montreal is to raise $50,000, an amount matching last year’s combined contributions, said Kidney Foundation’s co-ordinator Philippe Vincent. The money raised will be used to support research, to provide patient services and to promote organ donation — still a major issue for 75 per cent of all patients awaiting a kidney transplant. Volunteers will be identified with the Foundation’s blue badge.

Amongst them, one Dorval family stands out. Beverley Lawrence and her daughters have been helping the Kidney Foundation for nine years.

“My father was a dialysis patient. When we lost him, 10 years ago, I decided that we would get involved,” Lawrence said.

At the time, her daughters were only four and five years old, but they raised their share of money by going door to door with their mom, and their enthusiasm never declined. The next year, they were canvassing their neighbourhood for food baskets. Today, hre daughters Sabrina Sadek (now 14 years old) and Dara Sadek (15 years old) are involved in many charity projects with their school, the Red Cross, and of course, the Kidney Foundation.

“Their work with the Foundation opened the door to other involvement. They became very conscious of the fact that they have a lot whereas others don’t,” the Dorval mother said.

To contribute to the March Drive Campaign, or for more information about the Kidney Foundation of Canada, call 514-938-4515 or visit www.kidneyquebec.ca.">www.kidneyquebec.ca.">www.kidneyquebec.ca.