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Kidney Health Month Kicks Off With The #SixDegreeChallenge

A mom, a son, a reporter, a mode, are but just a few of the challengers amplifying awareness of the prevalence of kidney disease by encouraging Canadians to share their “six” in support of those affected

The Kidney Foundation of Canada is launching the annual #SixDegreeChallenge on Monday, March 1 to shine an important spotlight on kidney health and raise important funds to support Canadians living with kidney disease.

The #Six Degree Challenge is calling on all Ontarians to help reduce the high burden of kidney disease by showing their support online and challenging others to do the same.

“Despite being vital organs, kidneys are all too often overlooked or ignored as part of our overall health. That is, until you or someone you love is affected.”

Craig Kerr, President of The Kidney Foundation’s Ontario Branch

Six Degree Challengers from communities across the province are joining the conversation and sharing their experience with kidney disease to bring this often-invisible disease into the spotlight.

Four million Canadians – that’s one in 10 – are affected by kidney disease, but whether personally connected to it or not, all Ontarians can join the #SixDegreeChallenge on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, beginning March 1. ‘Challengers’ can participate by posting a picture of themselves throwing up “the six” (holding up six fingers), sharing their connection to kidney disease and tagging six friends in the caption, nominating them to do the same.

In addition to creating a buzz online, Canadians are also encouraged to make a donation to support The Foundation’s programs and services to help empower patients to live their best life. On World Kidney Day, March 11, the Foundation will host a 24-hour day of giving. Donations can be made online or by calling 1-800-387-4474.

Another way Canadians can understand this vital organ and its importance to overall health is by using The Kidney Foundation’s risk awareness tool. By simply answering a few questions about lifestyle, health and related factors using the interactive tool, people get information that may help them spark discussion with their health care team about maintaining kidney health.

Garnering support from notable Canadians such as CityNews reporter Cristina Howorun, the #SixDegreeChallenge aims to keep the momentum going and continue raising awareness and funds across Ontario in 2021.

All funds raised will provide programming and services for Canadians affected by kidney disease and fund kidney research to improve treatments and ultimately discover a cure.

Excellent kidney health, optimal quality of life, and a cure for kidney disease – for over 50 years, this vision has guided The Kidney Foundation of Canada to be a collaborative, inventive and focused leader in the development of programs, services, research opportunities and awareness campaigns that have had a positive impact on the millions of Canadians living with, or at risk of developing kidney disease. The Foundation’s national research program has grown to become one of the most important sources of funding for scientists conducting kidney related research. The Kidney Foundation of Canada is also committed to providing education, information and support about kidney health, kidney disease and kidney transplants.