Kanata woman raising funds, awareness for kidney disease.
Chantal Vandereems, far right – pictured here with her family (from left to right) husband Steve, daughters Sarah, two, and Amy, six, and son Scott, four – is raising funds for the Kidney Foundation of Canada and awareness about kidney disease. Chantal was diagnosed with the disease two years ago.
Submitted photo
A Kanata woman is raising funds for the Kidney Foundation of Canada after being diagnosed with kidney disease two years ago.
Chantal Vandereems first confirmed she had the disease about one year after the birth of her third child.
“I myself have kidney disease so this is something that is personal to me,” she said.
During her pregnancy she had higher-than-average protein levels, leading doctors to diagnose her with preeclampsia.
Vandereems was induced a month early after her daughter stopped growing, but her protein levels didn’t even out. They were six times higher than they should be.
“It wasn’t until a year after my daughter was born that I found out what I had,” said Vandereems, who lives with her family in SoHo West near Bridlewood.
She was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, which causes an increase in an antibody in the kidneys hampering their ability to filter waste, excess water and electrolytes from the blood.
Her condition was found early enough that it’s treatable with medication and continued monitoring every two months.
“We were able to finally get some sort of treatment,” she said. “That was great because I was worrying about it the whole year.”
When left untreated, IgA nephropathy can lead to kidney failure.
“I consider myself one of the lucky ones,” said the 39-year-old Vandereems. “It seems to have stabilized itself.”
She said her children, ages two, four and six, don’t have to be monitored yet because her form of kidney disease is not genetically passed on. However, her husband, Steve, is being monitored for kidney disease as well.
“My husband may have kidney disease as well – he’s being monitored for that. My kids may have kidney disease,” she said. “Obviously the potential is there.
“There’s so much that’s unknown with the kidney disease that I have.”
FUNDRAISER
Vandereems is participating in the Kidney Foundation of Canada’s Give the Gift of Life Walk for the second year, to be held at Andrew Haydon Park on Sept. 25.
Last year, she managed to raise $380 in a few short weeks. This year, she’s raised her goal to $2,500.
“This year I want to aim bigger,” she said. “Give back to something that’s important to me.”
She will be hosting the first annual Chronic Kidney Disease Fundraiser at Buster’s Bar & Grill, located at 2525 Carling Ave. on Sept. 24, the day before the race.
Local Ottawa band Random Play will provide the musical entertainment, while a raffle and silent auction for items worth up to $1,000 will be available to bid on, she said. Members of the Kidney Foundation will also be on hand to provide information and answer people’s questions. Guests will also be able to sign up online to become an organ donor.
Guest speaker Francois-Rene Dussault will speak about his experience with kidney disease.
A volunteer with the Kidney Foundation, he is the two-time recipient of donated kidneys and has been on several forms of dialysis.
“He’s our perfect speaker because he’s been around the block, many times around,” said Vandereems.
“We’re hoping that people just bring friends and family along and become aware and just have a great time.”
Vandereems neighbour, Val Collins, said Vandereems is an inspiration.
“She is a busy stay-at-home mom raising three young children, a dedicated wife and a tireless community volunteer. Chantal is also living with IgA Nephropathy,” said Collins. “This disease will slowly take away her kidney function leading her to a future involving dialysis. Despite this looming diagnosis she meets all life’s obstacles with a positive passion and determination.”
Collins said the two met over plans for a community garden in their area when Vandereems told Collins her plans.
“To be able to celebrate what she’s doing I think the neighbourhood would be inspired,” said Collins. “I’m a big fan of hers.”
The first annual Chronic Kidney Disease Fundraiser will start at 8:30 p.m. For more information or to make a donation, visit Vandereems’ website at www.ottawackd.ca.
jessica.cunha@metroland.com