MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept 18, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Don Cherry and Terry Leon receive National Awards at Kidney Foundation of Canada 50th Anniversary Breakfast in recognition of their outstanding commitment to raising awareness of organ donation and the importance of early risk assessment for kidney disease. Their family experiences with kidney failure are poignantly shared in the Foundation's 50 Kidney Stories anniversary magazine.
Don Cherry – Recipient, Kidney Foundation of Canada Fund Development Award
"On World Kidney Day in March 2013, Don Cherry donated his much-loved SUV to the Kidney Foundation's Kidney Car Program," says Paul Shay, National Executive Director of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. "He used his donation to raise public awareness of both the program and organ donation. Funds raised through the Kidney Car program help us spread the word about organ donation, support programs for kidney patients and fund research into kidney disease and treatments. In Ontario alone, the Kidney Car program has experienced a 38% increase in 2013 and continues to see amazing growth through 2014 thanks to Don."
"I am really touched by this award from The Kidney Foundation. Our family was blessed that my daughter Cindy could donate a kidney to my son Tim when he had kidney failure at age 15. Organ donation is one of the best treatments for kidney failure, yet every year Canadians die waiting for a transplant. I don't feel I can do enough to give back for what we were lucky to receive when my son needed it most," says Don Cherry.
Terry Leon – Recipient, Kidney Foundation of Canada Public Awareness Award
Terry Leon, CEO of Leon's Furniture Canada, is among the first members of the Canadian business community to have "put a face to risk factors for kidney disease" by way of a public service announcement. Both his father and uncle had kidney disease and underwent dialysis treatment for kidney failure. "Terry Leon's participation in The Kidney Foundation's I am One 50th Anniversary Public Service Announcement campaign, and his public acknowledgement that his father was one of the many Canadians affected by kidney disease, shows great leadership, humility and courage," says Paul Shay. "Television stations across Canada played the Public Service Announcement nearly 2,000 times."
"I am honoured and grateful for this recognition but I must add that I truly believe that greater public awareness of kidney disease risk factors and a greater accent on prevention can improve kidney health outcomes," says Terry Leon. He quickly adds with a smile, "And naturally, for those who haven't done it yet, I strongly encourage you to take the online risk assessment at kidney.ca/risk."
About The Kidney Foundation: The Kidney Foundation of Canada is the national volunteer organization committed to reducing the burden of kidney disease by funding stimulating and innovative research; providing education and support; promoting access to high quality health care; and increasing public awareness and commitment to advancing kidney health and organ donation. To learn about other Awardees, visit: www.kidney.ca/national-recognition-program/50th-anniversary-breakfast.
Image with caption: "Don Cherry, Recipient of Kidney Foundation National Fund Development Award (CNW Group/Kidney Foundation of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140918_C1489_PHOTO_EN_5730.jpg
Image with caption: "Terry Young, CEO of Leon?s Furniture Canada, Recipient of Kidney Foundation National Public Awareness Award (CNW Group/Kidney Foundation of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140918_C1489_PHOTO_EN_5731.jpg
Image with caption: "KFOC logo (CNW Group/Kidney Foundation of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140918_C1489_PHOTO_EN_5732.jpg
SOURCE: Kidney Foundation of Canada
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