2020 Returning Sponsors The Ruparell Family

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Vinay, Bhavini, Asha, and Jyoti have a lot to be thankful for and being part of the Kidney March family is one of those things. 

Although Bhavini Ruparell laughs when she says, “she will never ‘walk’ Kidney March again,” she and her whole family are proud to support and be a part of Kidney March. They have marched, crewed and are multi-year sponsors. The past two years they have been our massage tent sponsor, a necessity for every marcher’s tired body after a long day of walking. Although there isn’t a massage tent this year, their sponsorship will go a long way to support those living courageously with kidney disease. We thank them for their unwavering sponsorship. 

We also want to thank them for everything they do to raise awareness for the importance of organ donation. 

Kidney Marcher Bhavini is a kidney transplant recipient from a deceased donor and a proud advocate for organ donation, “…the best way we can honour them[donors] is by following their example.” Bhavini has a message for everyone who is registered to donate. “It’s really important for people who are now signing their organ donation cards or registering themselves to have that conversation with their family.”

Learn more about this generous kidney family in the below Calgary Herald News story from 2018, ‘The Legacy of Organ Donation’

Marching for their Princess Warrior

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Calgary resident Robin Somji had heard of Kidney March before, but something piqued her interest this year and she didn’t know why. “In March I remember hearing the ad on the radio, and I said to myself I should do that. And then I thought, why would I do that? I heard the ad several times, including into the COVID shutdown when I wondered why they keep advertising this when no one can take part?” Little did she know that two months later the unthinkable would happen. Robin’s young daughter Alysha was not feeling well, the family learned her kidney function was only 4% and failing fast. Alysha at only five years old was swiftly put on dialysis, and the family was thrust into life with kidney disease. “Funny how the universe was hinting at me and preparing me,” remarks Robin. “We spent a month in the hospital and now do dialysis at home for 16 hrs every day and will do so until she is ready for a transplant. I am hoping I can be her donor.” 

A person can lose up to 80% kidney function without any symptoms, it can affect any age group, and there is no cure. 78% of Canadians waiting for an organ transplant are waiting for a kidney.

In this year’s Kidney March participants will complete their march in their own communities. The Somji family will be walking in Springbank starting August 10th. Their team, along with the other participants, will connect virtually for the final three days of Kidney March, September 11 – 13, to walk 10 kilometres per day and complete their 100-kilometre goal. Cheer for their family if you see them walking around Springbank in this bold journey for Alysha.

The Somji’s goal is not only to raise awareness about kidney disease but to also raise funds towards research to improve the future of kidney health and transplant outcomes.  Alysha will likely need more than one transplant in her lifetime, but by supporting research the family is hopeful Alysha will only need just one from her mom.

Learn more about their story from:

 

 

 

Part 1 – Kidney March 2020 Starts Today!

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Between now and Day Zero of Kidney March, Thursday, September 10, complete 70 KM of your 100 KM march. With every kilometre you walk over the next weeks, think about your reasons for Marching or Crewing. 

Things to Remember:
• Track and share your kilometres using the Strava app, click here to learn how to use Strava for Kidney March.
• Share your journey. We want to see your pictures and videos! Refer to our suggestions on the reverse side of the itinerary in your package.
Submit pictures and videos through the form under “Marcher Centre” and tag @KidneyMarch and #kidneymarch in all your social media posts.
• Your safety is important. Listen to your body, review the safety section in your manual and follow the safety guidelines set out by your provincial government.

Watch the Part 1 Kick-off Message for you!

This year’s theme song is…  “Don’t Give Up on Me” by
Andy Grammer! Download this song and add it to your Kidney March playlist. Let it inspire you while you walk, sing and dance along, or even make a TikTok!

We are united in our fight against kidney disease and for organ donation. Let’s get walking. Failure is Not an Option!

Contact us with any questions.