Yvonne’s story: My kidney journey started 20 years ago when an unrelated ultrasound picked up that I had Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Thankfully that early diagnosis has enabled me to learn ways that can slow down the progression of the disease. Six years ago, at age 55, I retired from full-time teaching to better look after my health. I love working part-time with Kidney Health Australia on Community Education as part of the Big Red Kidney Bus project. Working within the kidney community is very inspiring. My cousin Damien also has PKD and he is my continued inspiration whenever I educate the wider community about kidney disease. Kidney Health Australia publishes a wonderful resource, “My Kidneys, My Health” which provides helpful advice about prevention and slowing the progression of kidney disease. Check out this book and other kidney resources at our VIC CC* Education table at the Melbourne Walk.

Cathy’s story: My name is Cathy Bowden aged 62, a retired teacher. I was diagnosed with CKD in my thirties. All was fine, no treatment, just monitoring until 2002 when my kidneys failed. I started haemodialysis in 2003 at Moorabbin. I decided to train so I could bring a machine home. Miraculously the week before I was due to start up at home in 2005 a kidney became available. I was at Monash training at the time the news came through. I felt extremely lucky as I am a common blood type and had only been dialysing for a relatively short time. But the kidney was a perfect match. That was 11 years ago. My health improved straight away and I am still going well. Going on the Kidney walk is one way to thank everyone that helped me and try to raise money and awareness of kidney disease.

Richard's story: My name is Richard Yann and I am a 33 year old - dad of an 8 month old - and just recently had my second kidney transplant from my amazing sister (Megan Yann). I got diagnosed when I was in Year 12 and subsequently had my first transplant from my mum at age 19 which lasted 10 years before starting peritoneal dialysis for 5 years. Throughout this time I have seen 100s of specialists, 100s of blood tests, scans, hospital visits, 1000s of different medications, so life can be challenging. However with the love and support of my friends and family, I am able to live a very fun filled life full of activities and joy! People with a chronic illnesses share a special bond and that's what the Research Walk is all about! Enjoying and sharing the stories of other kidney patients whilst walking around the
world famous Tan Track!

Grant’s story: Having been diagnosed with kidney failure at a young age and receiving multiple kidney transplants, I am now 23 and receive dialysis three times a week in hospital. So you could say I have first-hand experience with kidney disease. Growing up with kidney disease was definitely a tough journey. I often felt very ‘different’ and at times isolated from other kids. With the help of Kidney Health Australia I was able to connect with other young children living with kidney disease through the ‘Kidney Kids’ camps and programs. Meeting once a year with other kids going through similar experiences took away that isolation and helped me regain a little normality in life. The Kidney Kids program is just one of the many services that Kidney Health Australia Provides to help those affected by kidney disease like myself. I’m now lucky enough to be working within Kidney Health Australia and can see the great work that gets done within the organisation which is why I would encourage everyone to get behind the Kidney Research Walk so we can raise much needed funds to help support research towards helping others living with kidney disease.

Dan's story: I'm Dan and I'm doing wonderful - just over two years since a kidney transplant! A late-late presenter, I turned up at the hospital with End Stage Renal Failure and kidneys operating at 7% function although no noticeable typical symptoms - I'm the bogyman cautionary tale to get your kidneys checked early and checked often! Over the last three and a half years I have gone through a lot, including dialysis and post-transplant recovery. The doctors, nurses, health staff and everybody who pays their taxes to help fund Medicare have been wonderful to make me medically better, however the thing I love about the Kidney Research Walk is the opportunity to be able to share a wonderful day with so many people who have helped and supported my kidney journey so far, as well as remembering lost comrades whose kidneys got the better of them in the end. 

Wayne’s story: Hi, I am a dad of four and have Polycystic Kidney Disease.  Polycystic Kidney Disease is a hereditary condition. In the 1970’s my father had a kidney transplant and my sister Marilyn has also had a kidney transplant.  It’s the luck of the draw. My father was one of seven brothers and the disease is nowhere else in the family. I’ve spent five years doing home haemodialysis and received a transplant in March 2013. I have met fantastic people dedicated to improving the lives of people living with kidney issues and chronic kidney disease.  I have also met patients who have inspired me to join the Kidney Health Australia Consumer Committee in the quest to improve the lives of people with kidney issues and support fundraising efforts into kidney research. I am a musician and my duet has been playing in recent years as part of the entertainment at the Kidney Research Walk. I would be happy to tell you more about the Consumer Committee at the walk and am also happy to take your requests. Jump on board and say hello at the event.  We are the VIC CC, Victorian Consumer Committee. Everyone on the VIC CC has chronic kidney disease (CKD). We advocate for people living with kidney disease and provide feedback and advice to Kidney Health Australia.

As we start to count down to the Research Walk, we invite you to cheer us on and to dig deep to help us reach our team fundraising goal.

Specifically, funds from this event are devoted to key research priorities, which will continue to drive health policy and advance programs that change and save the lives of those impacted by kidney disease.

Every dollar counts so please help us make a difference with a secure online donation, big or small – just click on the ‘Donate’ button on the side. You will automatically receive a tax-deductible receipt via email.

Kidney Health Australia receives 100% of all donations.

Thank you for supporting our efforts in the 2016 Kidney Research Walk!

* Photo 1:  Victorian Consumer Committee meeting at KHA Head Office, South Melbourne: Yvonne Farquharson, Wayne McGlone, Sandra Bell, Cathy Bowden, Dan Ussher.

* Photo 2: Victorian Consumer Committee: Back row: Dan Ussher, Yvonne Farquharson, Wayne McGlone (Chairman); Front row: Sandra Bell, Beccky Johns, Grant Monks

We would like to pay tribute to Beccky Johns who served on the VIC CC and contributed greatly with her vibrant and youthful perspective. Sadly Beccky passed away in November 2015 aged 23. She is greatly missed.