‘Walk for Dialysis’ coming up Sept. 7

‘Walk for Dialysis’ coming up Sept. 7

CANADA

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

For the eighth year-in-a-row Tom Bruyere is once again organizing his 20-mile “Walk for Dialysis.”
The annual walk that has raised well over $100,000 for the local renal dialysis program at La Verendrye Hospital will take place on Friday, Sept. 7 at 8 a.m.
Anyone can participate in the walk by either making a pledge or collecting their own pledges and walking the 20 miles. All donors and participants are also eligible to win great prizes courtesy of local merchants!!!
North Air Taxi is providing a complimentary limo service to bring the walkers to the starting point, which is 20 miles west of Fort Frances on the River Road. Pick-up will be at North American Lumber at 7:15 a.m.
For those who drive to the starting point, a shuttle service will be available to bring vehicles back to Fort Frances. Snacks and refreshments will also be available along the way.
The walk will end at North American Lumber where hot dogs and refreshments will be served courtesy of The Place Fine Foods and McDonald’s Restaurant.
Richard Visser will once again be walking in memory of his wife, Metta, who was a strong advocate for dialysis in Rainy River District.
“Richard has meant a lot to this walk,” noted Tom Bruyere.
“He walks the entire distance every year in memory of Metta and he gets outstanding support from his family and friends across the district,” he added.
All proceeds from the walk will be put toward the renal dialysis program at La Verendrye Hospital. Riverside Foundation for Health Care will issue charitable receipts for all donations and pledges over $10.
Foundation board chair Larry Cousineau is grateful for Tom’s efforts.
“Tom has definitely shown his commitment to ensuring Dialysis is provided in Rainy River District. He has helped a lot of people because of his efforts.”
In 2001, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre opened a satellite renal dialysis program at La Verendrye Hospital alleviating the need for local people to travel to Thunder Bay or Winnipeg every other day to receive their treatment.
Last year, an evening shift was added to accommodate 12 additional patients raising the capacity from 24 to 36. Currently, 30 patients from across the region are receiving dialysis at La Verendrye Hospital.
Anyone wishing to participate in this year’s walk can pick-up a pledge form at La Verendrye Hospital, or contact Tom Bruyere at 274-6221 or Teresa Hazel at 274-4803.
Get a pledge form online by clicking on Foundation at: www.riversidehealthcare.ca
Community members are invited to North American Lumber to greet the walkers between 1:30 and 2 p.m.

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