LAURA CHAMP
News Writer

Kidney disease and organ donation are becoming increasingly pressing issues in Saskatchewan.

In 2009, Saskatchewan had the lowest number, 22, of kidney transplants in the country. While this situation improved markedly in 2010, the number of those on the waiting list to receive a transplant remains frighteningly high.

Within Canada, statistics from the Canadian Institute for Health Information outline serious cause for concern. In 2009, more than 38,000 Canadians were suffering from kidney failure — triple the amount from 1990.

In 2010, there were approximately 96 people waiting for a kidney transplant in Saskatchewan.

Many of these people endure daily kidney dialysis treatments, an arduous process. Haemodialysis is particularly hard on those who do not live in or near a centre with a dialysis unit.

Many patients must travel to Regina, Saskatoon or one of the seven satellite units within the province to receive treatment. Dialysis treatments last on average four hours a day. For families already enduring the hardships of a family member with kidney failure, these trips are debilitating.

According to Kim Lytle, manager of provincial programs for the Kidney Foundation of Canada Saskatchewan Branch, the situation in our province is continually deteriorating.

“Issues surrounding kidney disease are critical in Saskatchewan because of the growing numbers of those suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure. Rates of end stage renal disease — also known as chronic kidney disease — go up 10 per cent each year in Saskatchewan.”

Lytle said that for university students, it is important to know your family history in relation to diabetes and high blood pressure and to do what you can to remain healthy and vital in terms of diet and exercise.

She also encourages students who wish to donate their organs to sign their donor cards and speak to their families about their wishes. It should also be noted that with a kidney transplant, living donors can be used.

Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease. As diabetes rates in Saskatchewan increase, particularly among First Nations populations, the health care budget will steadily feel the pinch.

“It costs approximately $40,000 per person, per year for haemodialysis,” explained Lytle.

“This will essentially devastate our health care budget unless something is done to curb the number of those suffering from kidney disease.”

On average, two million Canadians have or are at risk of kidney disease.

Every day 14 Canadians learn that their kidneys are failing and if left untreated, can die of the disease within weeks or even days.

March 17 to 21, employees and volunteers of the Kidney Foundation in Saskatchewan will hit the streets for the 2011 door to door campaign. The campaign raises money for individuals affected by kidney disease and their families.

“Most people will know someone who is affected by kidney disease, or know someone who is at risk for it,” said 2011 door-to-door campaign coordinator Emily Hurd.

“Volunteering with our door-to-door campaign represents a way to get involved and make a difference in the Saskatoon community. Though it only takes a short time, the act of volunteering makes a huge difference.”

As the Kidney Foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year, the door-to-door campaign receives no government funding and depends on the hard work of volunteers, requiring at least 1,000 volunteers in Saskatoon alone.

“We are encouraging the community to come out and volunteer with us. We require hundreds of volunteers each year in Saskatoon alone and this year is no different,” said Hurd.

“We are particularly in need of canvassers this year and it is a great opportunity for students. They can get some volunteer experience, meet their neighbours and get some exercise and fresh air.”

To volunteer for the Kidney Foundation, contact Emily Hurd at 664-8588 or at saskatoonmd@kidney.sk.ca.