We are incredibly proud of our Kidney March Family. Every conversation, every tweet, every facebook status, every newspaper feature and every shout out has helped spread the word about Kidney March far and wide, and for that, we are beyond grateful. We welcome you with open arms to be as Kidney March connected as possible. There is an amazing community with a strong voice out there and you can find it all here. Read our blog below for our News and Community updates and stay connected.
Want to get to know a few of your fellow Marchers? Visit our 'Marcher Stories' page under 'The Cause' to read more!
Kidney March in the News! To read and watch past news storries on our event and participants visit our 'Media' page.
Lost and found from Kidney March 2024
Please check the below list of items and let us know if you think something may be yours. To claim your lost item contact Sharon D’Souza sharon.dsouza@kidney.ca 1-587-200-2780 | 1-800-268-1177
We will bring all unclaimed items to the Alumni Reunion in October. Any remaining items following the reunion will be donated to Kidney Clothes.
Unclaimed found items:
Description
• Brown Glasses Pouch with 2 Pairs of Glasses
• Blue Olympic water bottle
• Blue Contigo water bottle
• White bag with Kidney March jacket and gloves. may have had “jenny” written on it.
• Steal Water Bottle – Klean Kanteen
• Black Contigo Beverage Bottle
• Green Nalgene Water bottle with MAC V… on it
• Walking Poles – Brand Cascade
• Air Mattress – Outbound
• Green and yellow Vape
• Blister Buddies Bracelet – from the Swifties
• Smartwool Socks – Pitstop 5
• Neck Cooler – Pitstop 3
• Kids Black Size M George Sweater
• Blue and white lanyard with Japanese style art Keychain with a Car key.
I thought I share some tips for coping in hot weather. I had some experience in extreme temperature events like finishing the 2014 Vineman Ironman distance race (3.8km swim 186km bike and a full marathon) in a 41˚C heat wave. That was way too hot. So here are some tips my coaches relayed to me.
Coping in hot weather:
•Switch to light color clothing, preferably non-cotton, polyester blend fabrics for breathability. Light or white color clothing cuts a few degrees off your overall heat load.
•wear a light color hat or cap to keep the sun off your face. A hat can help cool your head effectively, especially when soaked in water or holding a baggie of ice underneath your cap for temporary relief.
•bring a pair of sunglasses. Protect your eyes from the bright sun. Fighting glare without the help of sunglasses only brings discomfort.
•lighten your load-reduce your gear to the bare essentials. Edit your gear ruthlessly and thoughtfully. Think about dropping off your heavier stuff or morning clothes at the aid stations.
•carry a water bottle with you. Use water to spritz yourself every few minutes for additional cooling. A cold bottle held near your neck where the carotid artery is is a good way to bring extra relief. But be careful to avoid getting your shoes wet if you choose to soak yourself. One trick is to lean way forward to get wet to douse yourself but keep your legs dry.
•drink electrolyte rich sports drinks to prevent dehydration and it helps to reduce swelling of hands and feet caused by prolonged exercise in the heat. If your pee is a darker shade of yellow, you’ll need to drink a lot more. Hydrate until you pee light yellow or pale clear. You may be sweating out salts more than you are used to and replacing lost electrolytes is even more important on hot days and exercise. If you feel muscle cramping, increase your electrolyte intake. Upping your salt intake can help reduce cramping within minutes.
•if you have elastic laces, they may help your feet adjust your feet as they tend to swell. As the day gets warmer, you might opt to loosen the tension in your laces to ease some of the pressure from your feet swelling from heat and prolonged distances.
•positive mental attitude goes a long way. It gives you room to handle more challenges. Negativity is unnecessary baggage to think about on your mission. The thoughts you have should be focused on being comfortable as best as you can. Think about drinking water or spritzing yourself to aid cooling.
•most importantly…listen to your body. Know the signs of heat exhaustion. If you feel:
• muscle cramps
dizziness
mild confusion
abnormally fast heart rate or breathing
headache
irritability
extreme thirst
nausea or vomiting
pale skin
heavy sweating or even the lack of sweating
fainting
Take a break in the shade and recover. Your safety is paramount.
Kidney March is the experience of a lifetime and maybe the biggest challenge you’ve ever undertaken deserves a lot of celebration!
During Kidney March, safety is our top priority. Support is also very important to us, so we want to make sure your family and friends have opportunities to cheer you on! There are specific locations each day where friends and family can safely park and greet you:
Day One
7:00 am sharp, Opening Ceremony at Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society, Millarville Racetrack: 306097 192 Street, Millarville, AB T0L 1K0
9:30 am – 1:00 pm, Diamond Valley lunch stop, Royalite Millennium Park: approximately 105 Valley Trail NE, Turner Valley, AB T0L 2A0
Day Two
11:30 am – 2:00 pm, Kananaskis lunch stop,Elbow Valley Visitors’ Information Centre: 2 AB-66, Bragg Creek, AB T0L 0K0 (Alberta Parks Kananaskis Conservation Pass Required)
Day Three
10:30 am – 1:30 pm, Lunch StopSpringbank Park for All Seasons, 32224A Springbank Road, Calgary AB, T3Z 2L9. Please park in front of the Park for All seasons building in the main parking lot. Then you must walk through the middle of the Park for All Seasons building to the white domed outdoor arena behind. Link to Google map for Parking
3:00 pm, Marchers and Crew complete their final kilometres and walk into the Closing Ceremony at WinSport Canada Olympic Park,in the Festival Tent, 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary AB **bottom of the hill only** The hill road will be closed. Please enter Winsport from Canada Olympic Drive SW and Park in the main parking lot behind the Sports Hall of Fame. Link to Google directions for Parking
Please use the designated cheering stations only.
For safety reasons, we cannot allow spontaneous stops along the route or have family and friends joining the walk. Family and friends are encouraged to find their Marchers and Crew only at the cheering stations listed.
**Guests or visitors are not permitted at Kidney March Camp**
“What should I expect on Day Zero?” Here’s a brief run-down.
Please mark your calendars to attend one of the following mandatory Safety Sessions on Thursday, September 5, 2024.
All Marchers and Crew MUST attend a Safety Session on Thursday, Sept. 5th, at the Delta Calgary South (135 Southland Drive, Calgary AB), in the Bonavista Ballroom – Tower Building. The Bonavista Ballroom is located on the lower level of the Tower Building.
Mandatory Check-in At Day Zero you’ll receive your package with your ID Lanyard (this must be worn during Kidney March), check your tent assignment and luggage tags, drop off any donations, and shop the Kidney March store.
MARCHER Mandatory Safety Sessions
All Marchers must attend one of the following mandatory Safety Sessions. We are offering three sessions throughout the day at different times.
CREWmust attend the Crew-specific Safety Session at 5:30 pm. This is a Mandatory Crew Meeting for all Crew Members. At the Crew meeting, you’ll be attending a short safety session and meeting your Team Leads and fellow Crew Members.
No RSVP is required. Please arrive 15 mins before your chosen time slot to pick up your registration package. You will need more time if you are turning in donations. Please note: the 6:30 pm session is typically the busiest.
It’s a great chance to meet or reconnect with your fellow Kidney Marchers and Crew! Our Kidney March team will be available to answer any questions you may have on Day Zero. You can also reach out to kidneymarch@kidney.ca
Mayfair Returns with Enthusiasm as Medical Building Sponsor!
We are thrilled to welcome back for their second year, Mayfair Diagnostics, supporting our 2024 Medical Building and our compassionate team of health care professionals at Camp.
Our Medical Crew and Building are essential to the well-being of everyone on the March. Having it supported allows us to enhance our medical care during the March while enabling more of your valuable fundraising to go towards the cause.
There’s a good chance that many people in our kidney community have at some point in their health journey needed the services of a Mayfair Diagnostics clinic. Owned and operated by over 50 radiologists and employing more than 550 employees, Mayfair Diagnostics has 15 locations in the Calgary area and serve over 550,000 patients in both urban and rural and remote locations.
Kidney March and Mayfair share a common goal, to improve the lives and health outcomes of people in our community through the work we do.
“We’re grateful to be back at the Kidney March this year as the Medical Building sponsor. We are often part of our patients’ health care journey with kidney disease and understand the importance of the Kidney March in supporting those affected by this disease. We appreciate the opportunity to be part of a life changing event that increases public awareness about kidney disease and organ donation while providing funding for research to find a cure.” – Mayfair Diagnostics
We’re thrilled to welcome Mayfair back to camp and anticipate their continued support.
Remember to express your gratitude for their generous sponsorship.
Thank you, Mayfair Diagnostics!
Mayfair Diagnostics was introduced to Kidney March by Courtney Kovacs, Mayfair employee and Kidney Marcher. We are forever appreciative of the connections made possible by our extraordinary participants.
Photo provided by Mayfair, Courtney Kovacs (left) and Kelsey Richardson (right)
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October Calendar Events
Events in October 2024
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17October 17, 2024
Friends of the Foundation & Kidney March Alumni Reunion
– October 18, 2024
Join us at the Friends of the Foundation & Kidney March Alumni Reunion, for an inspiring evening as we celebrate those who have made a positive impact in the kidney community. With the 60th anniversary of the Kidney Foundation and our 15th Kidney March, we have a lot to be proud of and much to celebrate! Everyone is invited, all past and present Kidney Marchers and Crew, volunteers, donors, sponsors, friends and families, and supporting members of the kidney and transplant community!
Doors open for cocktails and light snacks at 6:30 pm, Program starts at 7:00 pm, with more snacks and time to connect to follow. Attire is business casual or Kidney March gear.
Reunite with Kidney March family and the kidney community, be the first to watch the much-anticipated Kidney March 2024 video, enter for door prizes, see who won the awards for Top Fundraisers, and celebrate everyone who made this year outstanding.
On behalf of the Kidney Foundation Southern Alberta Branch and all those living with kidney disease, thank you for being a hero in the battle against kidney disease. Together, you are changing lives, you are making history.
Please RSVP to Megan at megan.leonard@kidney.ca (587) 328-4821 by October 11, 2024.
Today is World #MentalHealth Day. The Kidney Foundation of Canada La Fondation canadienne du rein invites you to explore our various peer support and engagement groups. Talking to someone who truly understands can make all the difference. Meetings are a safe space to be heard and connect with like-minded individuals. Best part? It's free, 100% virtual, and open to all in Canada. ... See MoreSee Less
Though more than 40,000 Canadians are currently being treated for kidney failure, finding information about the treatments, options and support available can be difficult. We Are Here for You.
Let us know that you'll be joining us at the Friends of the Foundation & Kidney March Alumni Reunion. We can't wait to celebrate your achievements, relive the memories with you, and watch the premiere of this year's Kidney March video! Everyone is invited, all past and present Kidney Marchers and Crew, volunteers, donors, sponsors, friends and families, and supporting members of the kidney and transplant community!Delta Hotel South Calgary - Atrium BuildingDoors open for cocktails and light snacks at 6:30 pmProgram starts at 7:00 pmFollowed by light refreshments and time to connect to with the kidney communityAttire is business casual or Kidney March gear. On behalf of the Kidney Foundation Southern Alberta Branch and all those living with kidney disease, thank you for being a hero in the battle against kidney disease. Together, you are changing lives, you are making history.Please RSVP to Megan at megan.leonard@kidney.ca (587) 328-4821 by October 11, 2024. ... See MoreSee Less
We are so thankful to Mayfair Diagnostics for sponsoring our Medical Building for Kidney March. The Medical Crew and Building are essential to the well-being of everyone on the March. From treating aches and pains to caring for injured and blistered feet, the Medical Crew takes care of our Marchers and Crew from head to toe. Kidney March and Mayfair share a common goal, to improve the lives and health outcomes of people in our community through the work we do.Your commitment and enthusiasm were evident every step of the way. You should be incredibly proud of the difference you have helped make in the kidney community. ... See MoreSee Less
Thank you to Mattamy Homes Canada for providing our Marchers and Crew with a touch of luxury when they returned to camp after a long day of walking and crewing. The Mattamy Spa allowed them to relax, recharge and rejuvenate. Thank you for making the Kidney March Family's home away from home a place of comfort.We are also grateful for their sponsorship of our final stop at the top of Canada Olympic Park and for our Closing Ceremony. We appreciate all the volunteer help you gave us from start to finish, with camp set-up to the finish line. Thank you for helping to hand out all the finishing shirts, providing the meeting point for everyone to complete their 100km journey as they crossed the finish line and for hosting the our closing ceremonies as we reflected on the amazing weekend together. ... See MoreSee Less
Let's celebrate Dr. Janine Farragher for being awarded as the Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Life Participation and Kidney Disease! Her remarkable research and dedication have led to tangible improvements in the lives of Canadians affected by kidney disease. As a registered occupational therapist and assistant professor at the University of Toronto, Dr. Farragher's work is centered on addressing the physical and mental challenges of kidney disease, leading to the development of innovative self-management tools that empower patients to take charge of their lives and pursue their desired lifestyles.Learn more about her work here: bit.ly/Dr-Janine-Farragher----------------Félicitons la Dre Janine Farragher pour ses réalisations exceptionnelles en tant que titulaire de la Chaire de recherche du Canada (niveau 2) sur la participation à la vie et les maladies rénales! Ses recherches remarquables et son dévouement ont conduit à des améliorations tangibles dans la vie des Canadiens touchés par les maladies rénales.En tant qu'ergothérapeute agréée et professeure adjointe à l'Université de Toronto, la Dre Farragher s'efforce de réduire le fardeau physique et mental des maladies rénales, ce qui l'amène à mettre au point des outils d'autogestion novateurs qui permettent aux patients de prendre leur vie en main et d'adopter le mode de vie qu'ils désirent.Pour en savoir plus sur son travail : bit.ly/Dre-Janine-Farragher ... See MoreSee Less
Join us at the Friends of the Foundation & Kidney March Alumni Reunion, for an inspiring evening as we celebrate those who have made a positive impact in the kidney community. With the 60th anniversary of the Kidney Foundation and our 15th Kidney March, we have a lot to be proud of and much to celebrate! Everyone is invited, all past and present Kidney Marchers and Crew, volunteers, donors, sponsors, friends and families, and supporting members of the kidney and transplant community!Doors open for cocktails and light snacks at 6:30 pm, Program starts at 7:00 pm, with more snacks and time to connect to follow. Attire is business casual or Kidney March gear. Reunite with Kidney March family and the kidney community, be the first to watch the much-anticipated Kidney March 2024 video, enter for door prizes, see who won the awards for Top Fundraisers, and celebrate everyone who made this year outstanding.On behalf of the Kidney Foundation Southern Alberta Branch and all those living with kidney disease, thank you for being a hero in the battle against kidney disease. Together, you are changing lives, you are making history.Please RSVP to Megan at megan.leonard@kidney.ca (587) 328-4821 by October 11, 2024. ... See MoreSee Less
🚨 Kidney March Training Walk AlertIt's hard to believe it's been a month since #KidneyMarch! Are you going through Kidney March family withdrawals?? Need to stretch the legs?? Hear Kidney March family talk about the experience? Join Stuart Duff on a 5km walk a training walk this weekend. Starting at 9:30 am on Sunday, October 6th, in Calgary, meeting at the Glenmore Landing Starbucks. 📅Plus Save the date and RSVP for the Friends of the Foundation & Kidney March Alumni Reunion on October 18th ➡️https://kidney.ca/Get-Involved/Be-a-Fundraiser/Events/ABS/Friends-of-the-Foundation-Kidney-March-Alumni-Reun ... See MoreSee Less
Join us in a big THANK YOU to our Presenting Sponsor, Otsuka Canada Pharmaceutical Inc! We are incredibly grateful for Otsuka's continued support of Kidney March. Your contribution helps support kidney disease research, organ donation initiatives and programs for millions of Canadians living with, or at risk of developing kidney disease. Your generosity is making an impact in the lives of so many individuals and their families. #OtsukaRead more about their sponsorship at ➡️ kidneymarch.ca/meet-your-presenting-sponsor-otsuka-canada-pharmaceuticals-inc/... See MoreSee Less
📷 Find yourselves in the photos from our triumphant Kidney March weekend and soak in the memories. The commitment you have shown to our kidney community is truly inspiring and we can see the strength and spirit of each member of our Kidney March family shine through in these photos. Thank you for coming together as one united front to raise funds in support of kidney disease research, organ donation initiatives, and programs for the millions of Canadians living with or at risk of developing kidney disease.Thank you to Paiwei Wei for snapping so many amazing photos!View the Kidney March 2024 Photo Album here: ... See MoreSee Less
Mayfair Diagnostics was introduced to Kidney March by Courtney Kovacs, Mayfair employee and Kidney Marcher. We are forever appreciative of the connections made possible by our extraordinary participants.