Scarborough and Rouge Hospital’s (SRH) new Kidney Connect Peer Support Group was honoured with the Stewart Bett Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Patient Programs from The Kidney Foundation Central Ontario Chapter, at a Volunteer Appreciation Celebration in June.

Congratulations go out to Lisa Huhn, peer support volunteer; Craig Lindsay, co-chair of the Patient Family Advisory Council for nephrology; Sam Watt, social worker; Clint Gunn, manager of home dialysis and the chronic kidney disease (CKD) program; and Ethel Macatangay (Doyle), director of chronic disease management and nephrology, for their efforts in making a difference in the lives of kidney patients and their families, every day.

Because a diagnosis of kidney disease can be emotionally and physically challenging, SRH and The Kidney Foundation of Canada partnered to create a support group that is open to all CKD patients, caregivers, family members, and living donors.

“I’m happy to partner with the Kidney Foundation and Scarborough and Rouge Hospital to support patients living with kidney disease,” said Craig.

“With the new Peer Support Group, they have created a space and time where patients and families can come together to share their experiences, successes and challenges. As a patient, I have benefited from the chance to speak with others who share my health issues. It’s a privilege to continue the work started by those before me.”

SRH’s Peer Support Group, which is led by trained volunteers who are also kidney patients, connects patients who truly understand what it’s like to live with kidney disease, and are willing to share their own experiences. Those who attend the meetings find many benefits such as increasing their knowledge of treatments, learning coping skills, and receiving emotional and psychological support from fellow patients.

“The Kidney Foundation has provided support and has always been there with me on my kidney journey, which has included dialysis – both peritoneal and hemo – and transplants,” said Lisa.

“It’s important to help others who are going through this kidney journey. I am so very happy to be part of the SRH Peer Support Group.”

For more information on the SRH Kidney Connect Peer Support Group, please contact: Sam Watt at (416) 438-2911, ext. 6113 or the Kidney Foundation at 1-866-390-7337.

Pictured: Social worker Sam Watt accepts the Stewart Bett Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Patient Programs on behalf of SRH’s Kidney Connect Peer Support Group.