Kidney patient Thom McCaughey is this year’s regional honouree for The Kidney Walk in Cranbrook. Thom will represent The Kidney Walk and through his story help put a face to this disease that is often under recognized and undetectable in its early stages.

The annual Kidney Walk supports individuals, like Thom, and their families who are affected by kidney disease by raising awareness about the seriousness of this disease as well as funds to help provide critical programs and services.  Kidney disease affects one in 10 Canadians and currently has no cure.

Twenty communities across B.C. are championing The Kidney Walk. These extraordinary grassroots events feature live entertainment, prizes, fundraising barbeques, silent auctions and more. But most importantly walkers, runners and paddlers alike come out and show their support for kidney patients and their families.

For Thom, being a part of The Kidney Walk and supporting The Kidney Foundation is important.  Recently diagnosed with kidney disease, Thom is hoping that through his role with The Kidney Walk he will become more involved and better connected to the kidney community.

Thom has had diabetes for 25 years and is also a cancer survivor. He just recently discovered his kidneys were functioning at 14% and is currently on dialysis.

He believes it is important to get checked out by a doctor regularly, because, “you never know if something that you think is small can become a serious problem.”

Since 2008, thousands of participants and volunteers have helped The Kidney Walk campaign raise over $860,000 for kidney patients in BC.  This year the goal is to raise $340,000 province-wide.

Join Thom and be part of The Kidney Walk in Cranbrook on Sunday, August 11 at Confederation Park from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada – BC Branch

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