The Kidney Foundation of Canada helps patients on every step of their kidney journey

We are there to offer support services to ease the burden of living with a chronic disease through mental health programs, financial aid and providing education about kidney disease and kidney health.

We are there to offer the hope of new treatments and a cure through our investments in research.

Our kidney community is strong and your support makes it stronger, benefitting patients in our community.

Katie is a patient in Ottawa who has experienced first-hand the impact of our work.

Katie's Story:

"I was a national-level swimmer, driven by goals and structured training. In my late 20s, I transitioned to running, progressing from a sub-30-minute 5K to a sub-2-hour half marathon. I thrived on personal milestones, preferring racing against myself rather than others.

In Spring 2023, acute kidney failure abruptly stopped my running. At my lowest point, I attended a Kidney Foundation support group in Ottawa, entering with despair but leaving with hope. Hearing others’ journeys redefined my outlook and allowed me to set new attainable goals in this new phase of life.

My primary goal was transitioning from in-hospital to home dialysis. Navigating home dialysis mirrored my approach to running: focus, discipline, and progress on my own terms. It gave me control over my journey.

Then, in September 2024, my cousin Jay gave me the ultimate gift—a kidney. I anticipated a swift return to running but faced setbacks and hospitalizations. While I may not make Ottawa Race Weekend, I’m running again, step by step, with the same pride I once felt crossing a half-marathon finish line.

Now, my greatest goal is to honor my progress—without comparison—and celebrate every victory along the way."

Your support makes our work possible so that patients like Katie can thrive while living with kidney disease.