Virtual Kidney Walk finds strength in its new format

By RYAN MCCRACKEN on May 30, 2020.

SUBMITTED PHOTO - (From left) Siblings Sheldon, Tonielle, Shelby and Tomas Pavlovic pose for a photo together in 2019. The four siblings all deal with Alport syndrome, a genetic condition characterized by kidney disease. Tonielle, Shelby and Tomas have all received kidney transplants, while Sheldon is awaiting one of his own.

rmccracken@medicinehatnews.com@MHNMcCracken

The Kidney Walk was presented with an obstacle to overcome when the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the cancellation of public gatherings across the country, but in true fighting form, the Kidney Foundation found a way to overcome the hurdle and create something even stronger.

While participants of the June 7 event won’t be able to walk in a pack, or celebrate side-by-side at the finish line, this year’s event is set to be the largest and most united in its history through a virtual walk streamed on YouTube and Facebook Live.

“We’re happy that we can still bring the community together in this virtual format and we hope that we can see everybody again in person in 2021,” said Kidney Foundation Southern Alberta community relations co-ordinator Erin Birbeck.

“The Kidney Walk has taken place in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat for nine years now, since 2012, so we wanted to ensure we were continuing to support our kidney community when they need it most, in these circumstances. Our Kidney Walk community stepped up to this new version and we’re really excited that we’ve partnered with our branches in B.C., the Yukon, Northern Alberta, the Territories and Saskatchewan to bring this together.”

One in 10 Canadians suffer from kidney disease, while 75 per cent of people on organ transplant waiting lists in Canada are waiting for a kidney. Medicine Hat’s Tonielle Pavlovic is one of four siblings with Alport syndrome – a genetic condition characterized by kidney disease – and one of three to have received a kidney transplant.

“I like to think that we have a pretty good relationship, but I think part of that is because of the disease that we share,” said Pavlovic. “My parents are obviously very supportive and they’ve had to watch everything, and that’s difficult for them, but it’s just not the same because they haven’t been directly affected by it. I like to think that it’s really allowed us to grow closer as siblings and probably as a family.”

Pavlovic says it’s that feeling of community that makes events like the Kidney Walk – which raise awareness while uniting kidney patients, donors, family, friends and supporters – important for too many reasons to count.

“It’s a sense of community that brings everybody together, especially those affected by kidney disorders and diseases, primarily those who have experienced dialysis or transplants,” said Pavlovic. “It’s sort of a reminder, first of all that you’re not alone, but second that there’s still hope. Perhaps people on dialysis might be inspired, or a little bit more apt to continue their treatment when they see that transplant is another option for treatment and can provide great livelihood beyond dialysis and things like that.”

Pavlovic underwent a transplant six years ago, at the age of 25, and says the procedure completely changed her life for the better, but she received the kidney from a deceased donor and as a result does not know the family of the donor. Pavlovic’s sister Shelby, 28, and brother Tomas, 27, also received their kidneys from deceased donors, while 25-year-old Sheldon is on dialysis and awaiting transplant.

“I’ve written many draft letters to go to this family,” she said, adding the Kidney Walk provides an important emotional outlet. “It’s really hard to express the kind of gratitude and thanks without simply saying thank you, because it’s so far reaching and deep in terms of just the roots of your family or the time that you spend with the people that you love.”

Participants across Western Canada will begin their 30-minute walk on June 7 at 11 a.m. MDT, and can join the live stream through their excursion – which will feature local celebrity hosts, discussions with participants at each location, guest speakers and more.

Birbeck says many participants fall into the high-risk category in regard to COVID-19, so participants are encouraged to walk wherever they feel most comfortable.

“Whatever people are comfortable with, we just want them out there doing their best and raising awareness and funds for kidney disease and organ transplantation.”

Birbeck added registration is a bit slower than usual as a result of COVID-19, but it will remain open until the day of the walk and Birbeck says many Hatters have opted to sign up at the last minute in past years. Registration is free, however donations are encouraged year-round. Participants who manage to raise $100 or more will receive a special Kidney Walk package, including a t-shirt.

“We’re really happy with how it’s going considering this virtual change,” she said. “It’s different having people pre-register in this virtual format but they have stepped up to the challenge and we are doing well in southern Alberta and across the provinces in Western Canada.”