Raising awareness around kidney disease is just as important as raising funds to Jackie Plett.
It has been the day-to-day reality for the Morden resident her whole life, so there is a strong personal motivation for her to be part of the upcoming Pembina Valley Kidney Walk.
“A lot of people don’t even really know what kidney failure or kidney disease is and don’t realize until it happens to them … or even what dialysis is and what it means,” Plett said in advance of the 10th annual Kidney Walk fundraiser being held in Morden Park on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 1 p.m. (same-day registration opens at noon).
Plett was just 10 months old when a form of kidney cancer required the removal of one of her kidneys and two-thirds of the other.
She was then diagnosed with kidney failure in 2013. At that time she had about 50 per cent function. She began dialysis in 2018 at the age of 32.
“Kidney disease actually runs in my family. My dad had it also,” noted Plett. “All my life I’ve just had one third of a kidney … and then add in having kidney disease in the family … and I’m on dialysis now.
“I always knew that I had the one third of a kidney and I needed to be careful,” she continued. “I always knew I wasn’t the same as every other kid … when I had to go to the bathroom, it was always very important that I went when I had to go because that can cause damage … just little things like that I always had to be careful.”
Despite having that high level of awareness, it still hit her hard when she had to go on dialysis.
“It was very much an adjustment. I still took it actually as a big shock, even though I knew I had kidney failure prior to that,” she said. “This is my life now. Three times a week … four hours each time … rain or snowstorm, I have to be there. It keeps me alive.”
It poses a tremendous challenge to living a normal life, Plett observed.
“I can’t really have a Monday to Friday office job. I work night shift for Gateway, and that actually works out pretty good. A regular job full-time during the day wouldn’t work.”
She appreciates the resources and support provided by the Kidney Foundation.
“It makes a difference … the Kidney Foundation gives back to us,” she said, noting they get gift cards once or twice a year for perhaps up to $200 that can go towards costs such associated with gas, groceries, or medications.
Representatives of the Kidney Foundation noted how many patients struggle to make ends meet. Not only is the cost of their basic needs on the rise, but they also face the burden of regular dialysis appointments, transportation, and costly medication.
Manitoba executive director Greg Unger said they’ve received a 41 per cent increase in requests for financial support in Manitoba over the past year.
“Our programs provide essential financial support as best we can to patients who need it most in our province, but none of it would be possible without the generosity of our donors,” said Unger.
Participating in her fourth walk this year, Plett appreciates the support of the community.
“Lots of people donate, and a fair amount of people come out,” said Plett, who last year raised $1,300 and has a goal this year of $1,400. “It feels very good just knowing there is that love and support out there.
“Come out and support the Kidney Walk and the Kidney Foundation. It’s such a good cause, and it helps so many people.”
For more information about the foundation and the walk, visit www.kidney.ca/manitoba.
