One in ten Canadians has kidney disease — and most don't know it until significant damage has already occurred. It has no cure, and over 4 million Canadians are living with it today.

On June 7, the Kidney Foundation of Canada is bringing communities across B.C. together for the annual Kidney Walk, including a local event in Abbotsford. The walk raises funds for research, patient programs, and awareness around kidney disease and organ donation.

Among those speaking at the Abbotsford event is local resident and author Alister Mathieson, whose granddaughter lives with kidney disease. He and his granddaughter co-authored a children's book, Kaylee and Koru and the Long Way Home, with proceeds supporting the Kidney Foundation.

"I know all too well the journey kidney patients and their families face every day," said Mathieson. "I invite others to join me at the Kidney Walk. It will be a wonderful community event featuring food, activities, and an opportunity to celebrate our collective efforts while shining a brighter light on kidney disease."

The numbers behind the cause are sobering: more than 50,000 Canadians are currently on dialysis or living with a kidney transplant, and 72 per cent of those on the organ transplant waiting list are waiting for a kidney. With prevalence projected to grow to over 6.2 million Canadians by 2050, the need for awareness and funding is only growing.