THUNDER BAY -- Allen Barron admits the past four years have been a struggle.
Originally diagnosed with kidney disease 14 years ago, Barron regularly undergoes dialysis and other treatments while waiting for a transplant as the disease continues to take a toll.
“I have my good days and my bad days,” he said. “Most of the time I am at home sick and don’t get out that often.”
However, he did come out for the local chapter of the Kidney Foundation of Canada’s annual walk, which was hosted Sunday morning at Prince Arthur’s Landing.
The walk, which is now in its sixth year, raises awareness as well as funds to assist those going through treatments.
His wife, Sherri Barron, said kidney disease is more widespread than most people acknowledge.
“One in 10 people in the country have kidney disease,” she said. “It’s important for people to know what’s going on.”
However, those treatments are mostly only a temporary solution as patients await a kidney transplant for a new lease on life.
Gary Cooper of the Trillium Gift of Life Network said about 45 per cent of city residents are registered as organ donors.
The Kidney Foundation of Canada estimates that nearly 75 per cent of those on organ transplant waiting lists require a kidney. The organization also reports that 37 per cent of those who died in 2012 while awaiting an organ transplant were waiting for a kidney.
Barron is still waiting.
“We all deserve to live. The waiting list kidneys is four to six years and up to 10. I’ve been on it for four years now and I’m still on that list and still waiting for one,” he said.
The local chapter is celebrating its 40th year of existence as the national organization is celebrating 50 years of supporting those suffering from kidney failure.
Organizers of this year’s walk have set a goal of $8,000, with the province wide goal being $850,000.
Barron was unable to walk last year but his wife participated in his place. While he has had challenges, including numerous surgeries to remove calcium deposits in his joints, he wanted to be able to stand up for the cause.
“I figured I would come out this year and do it seeing that I’m a lot better,” he said.
