The Kidney Foundation of Canada holding Give the Gift of Life Walk on the Yarmouth Waterfront, Sept. 20

Volunteers for The Kidney Foundation of Canada are organizing the Give the Gift of Life Walk to raise awareness of organ and tissue donation. “Four years ago my brother received a kidney transplant,” said Stephanie Haslam, volunteer for the Give the Gift of Life Walk. “At the time of his surgery he had about 10 per cent kidney function and was pretty much just existing, not living.”

There are approximately 4,000 people waiting for a transplant in Canada and 75 per cent of those are waiting for a kidney. In Nova Scotia, 120 people are waiting for a transplant and there are hundreds more waiting to have their lives improved through tissue donation. “The transplant gave my brother back his life and gave my family back the vibrant brother and son we once had,” said Haslam. “Organ and tissue transplant does not always receive the recognition it deserves, and by increasing people’s awareness, others may receive the relief my brother and family did.”

Crystal McCormack is a nurse within the dialysis unit at the Yarmouth Hospital and says every patient has touched her in some way. “It gives me great pleasure to do this little thing for them.” McCormack has also participated in the Tour De Shore bicycle ride in support of the Kidney Foundation. “I have a great time while raising funds for such a great cause.”

The Walk will take place on Sept. 20, at 1 p.m. at the Yarmouth waterfront. To register online go to www.kidney.ns.ca/walk or call Crystal McCormack at 902-742-1829.