MONTREAL, March 13, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Quebec Branch of The Kidney Foundation of Canada marks World Kidney Day, which happens in March every year, during this month that is also the Kidney Health Month. This year, World Kidney Day falls on March 14 and its theme, STOP Kidney Attack!, will bring the many issues surrounding kidney failure to the forefront.
The disease typically develops slowly and undetected, progressing over a number of years until reaching the terminal phase, the point at which kidney function drops to less than 15% of capacity. By the time it gets to this stage, the affected person needs either dialysis or a transplant to survive.
Seeking to give a voice to those suffering from the disease, be they patients or their loved ones, The Kidney Foundation of Canada published an economic study last November on the many benefits of transplantation and the substantial savings the government could reap if it placed greater emphasis on kidney transplantation.
For many years, the Foundation has been pushing to increase the number of transplants, the best treatment option for most kidney patients. For example, the Foundation recently sent a letter to the province's 125 MNAs (Members of the National Assembly), calling on their solidarity and urging them to take action to increase the number of transplants performed each year.
The Foundation is therefore asking the Government of Quebec to act in order to minimize the social and economic impacts of kidney failure in Quebec. The number of patients with renal insufficiency is rising steadily. According to current estimates, over 12,000 Quebecers are suffering from kidney failure and each year, some 1,000 Quebecers are diagnosed with end-stage renal disease.
| As of December 31, 2012, 1,250 Quebecers were on the province's organ transplant waiting list, 923 of whom were awaiting a kidney. Every year, many people die waiting for a transplant. |
"We are calling on everyone, individual citizens and elected officials alike, to mobilize in order to increase the number of transplants and reduce the number of people who die while awaiting a transplant. This situation is unacceptable," said Christopher Gobeil, President of the Quebec Branch of The Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Throughout March, Kidney Health Month, the Foundation is emphasizing the urgent situation of people affected by kidney disease and the need to improve their current state of health.
About The Kidney Foundation of Canada
The Kidney Foundation of Canada is the national volunteer organization committed to reducing the burden of kidney disease through funding and stimulating innovative research; providing education and support; promoting access to high quality healthcare; and increasing public awareness and commitment to advancing kidney health and organ donation. www.kidney.ca/quebec
SOURCE: Kidney Foundation of Canada - Quebec Branch
Louise Deguire
Communications Director
The Kidney Foundation of Canada - Quebec Branch
Tel: (514) 938-4515/1 800 565-4515 ext. 225 - email: [email protected]
Share this article