NEWS RELEASE
KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF CANADA, ONTARIO BRANCH
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The Kidney Foundation of Canada is launching the annual #SixDegreeChallenge on Tuesday, March 1 to shine a spotlight on kidney health as a vital health issue and raise important funds to support Canadians affected by kidney disease.
“Four million Canadians – that’s one in 10 – live with kidney disease. Despite being vital organs, kidneys are all too often overlooked or ignored as part of our overall health,” said Dr. Norman Muirhead, President of The Kidney Foundation’s Ontario Branch. “That is, until you or someone you love is affected.”
The #SixDegreeChallenge is calling on all Ontarians to help reduce the high burden of kidney disease by showing their support online and challenging others to do the same. Six Degree Challengers from across the province are kick-starting the conversation and sharing their experience with kidney disease to bring this often-invisible disease into the spotlight.
All Ontarians can join the #SixDegreeChallenge on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, beginning March 1.
‘Challengers’ can participate by posting a picture of themselves throwing up “the six” (holding up six fingers), sharing their connection to kidney disease and tagging six friends in the caption, nominating them to do the same.
“The reality of kidney disease is that it’s a long, constant, heavy burden to carry for patients and their loved ones,” said Muirhead. “We’re encouraging Canadians to make a donation to support vital programs and services to help empower patients to live their best life,” he added.
On World Kidney Day, March 10, the Foundation will host a 24-hour day of giving. Donations can be made online at www.sixdegreechallenge.com or by calling 1-800-387-4474 throughout Kidney Health Month.
All funds raised will provide programming and services for Canadians affected by kidney disease and fund kidney research to improve treatments and ultimately discover a cure.
Canadians can bridge the knowledge gap and learn how important the mighty kidney is to their overall health by using The Kidney Foundation’s interactive risk awareness tool. Simply answer a few questions about lifestyle, health, and related factors to learn about the risk factors for kidney disease and tips to protect and preserve kidney health.
About The Kidney Foundation of Canada
Excellent kidney health, optimal quality of life, and a cure for kidney disease - for over 50 years, this vision has guided The Kidney Foundation of Canada to be a collaborative, inventive and focused leader in the development of programs, services, research opportunities and awareness campaigns that have had a positive impact on the millions of Canadians living with, or at risk of developing kidney disease.
The Foundation's national research program has grown to become one of the most important sources of funding for scientists conducting kidney-related research.
The Kidney Foundation of Canada is also committed to providing education, information and support about kidney health, kidney disease and kidney transplants. For more information, visit www.kidney.ca.
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