Countdown To A Cure Calgary August 12, 2014 by Lauren Eva Countdown To A Cure Calgary successful in raising money and awareness for Rare kidney disease in Canada March 10, 2014 On March 8, The NephCure Foundation held a fundraiser to support Canadian research initiatives seeking the cause and cure for the rare kidney disease FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis) and Nephrotic Syndrome. Countdown To A Cure, a Denim and Diamonds-themed reception and dinner featured an array of delicious foods, music, silent auction items and more. The event held at Silver Springs Golf & Country Club and attended by more than 120 supporters, raised more than $45,000 for Canada-based research initiatives. Through a partnership with the Kidney Foundation of Canada, every dollar raised from the event will be matched to support specific research programs in Canada. Andrea Galbraith of Calgary organized this first annual event. Andrea’s daughter, Sophia, was diagnosed with the rare kidney disease FSGS at age 2. Since 2010, Andrea has now raised more than $185,000 for research to find a cure for Sophia and others battling these terrible kidney conditions. In addition to Countdown, Andrea’s fundraising efforts have included running a 10k race with her brother, organizing the 2012-13 NephCure runs/walks and a special event in Ontario. “Andrea’s commitment to finding better treatments for her daughter’s disease impacts all families dealing with these kidney conditions,” said Henry Brehm, CEO of The NephCure Foundation. “Andrea is a very special person as every day she gives her time to make life better for others. The volunteers from CIBC, friends and family all contributed to the event’s success.” Andrea’s daughter, Sophia, has been hospitalized more than 40 times because of complications related to FSGS. “I have a sick child and there are others battling kidney disease as well. All they want is to lead a normal life,” said Galbraith. “It’s important for people to know about FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome. I have an older daughter that is often feels left out because of the health needs of her younger daughter. These conditions impact the lives of patients and their families.” NephCure supports research conducted by investigators associated with Canadian institutions through a grant award co-sponsored with Kidney Foundation of Canada. In 2011, the first recipient of the $100,000 award was Dr. York Pei at University of Toronto. NephCure has committed to support up to two studies at Canadian institutions in 2014. The NephCure Foundation is the only organization solely committed to seeking the cause and cure for the kidney disease FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome. Comprised of patients, their families and friends, researchers, physicians and other healthcare professionals, NephCure aims to help science unlock the biological mechanisms that cause these serious conditions and ultimately find a way to cure and prevent them. Money raised for NephCure in Canada stays in Canada and funds research and education programs applicable to FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome.
Montreal Walk August 12, 2014 by Lauren Eva On September 14, 2013 in Montreal’s Parc Maisonneuve, friends and members of the Spadafora family gathered for the annual NephCure Walk in support of ‘Team Andrew’. Over $16,000 was raised at the event and this amount will be matched by the Kidney Foundation of Canada bringing the combined total for the event to $32,000! Congratulations to everyone on a job well done!
Montreal ZUMBAS for a cure! August 12, 2014 by Lauren Eva On Saturday, October 26, Rita Spadafora, mother of Andrew, and just hot off the trail of her annual NephCure walk, hosted a ZUMBA-thon to raise nearly $600 for the NepCure Foundation. Congratulations Rita, friends and Family! For more information and to view photos from this event, visit https://www.facebook.com/NephcureCanada
Calgary Virtual Walk August 12, 2014 by Lauren Eva On Saturday, September 28, 2013 several families walked or ran in different areas of Calgary to support The NephCure Foundation. This ‘virtual walk’ was held as an alternative to the walk which, like so many others, had to be cancelled because of the flooding that took place in June. Despite all the challenges , the Calgary walk managed to raise another $31,000.00 for kidney research which brings us another step closer to finding a cure. Also, the funds raised will be matched by The Kidney Foundation of Canada which will bring the total raised to $62,000. Thank you Calgary!