ALEXANDRA Hills resident Nycole Banks will remember an amazing mother, grandmother and great-grandmother when she takes part in the Big Red Kidney Walk on Sunday, September 16.
Ms Banks’ mum Diane was 69 years old when she passed away from an incurable form of kidney cancer on December 12 last year.
Ms Banks said her mother’s left kidney and left adrenal gland were removed and later her right adrenal gland.
“Mum was then required to be on adrenaline just to survive,” Ms Banks said.
Diane was put on a drug trial which extended her life a little but almost made her very unwell.
“What made this situation even worse for us is that we had only lost our step-dad, who was Mum’s husband of more than 35 years, just three years prior,” Ms Banks said.
“When he passed away Mum moved in with my husband, my son and I.”
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Ms Banks said she was part of a team of 18 called the Double D’s – Doin’ it for Di.
People across the country will take part in the Big Red Kidney Walks in five cities, while others will host their own in regional and remote Australia.
Kidney Health Australia’s clinical director Shilpa Jesudason said the growth of the walk was a result of the devastating effect undiagnosed kidney disease could have on individuals and their families.
“Every day, 53 people in Australia die with kidney-related disease,” Dr Jesudason said.
“Most people are tragically unaware they are affected until it’s too late.
In fact 90 per cent of kidney function can be lost without experiencing any symptoms – it is a silent killer.”
The four kilometre Brisbane walk will be on Sunday, September 16 at Rocks Riverside Park from 10am.
The cost is $35 for adults, $200 for teams of 10 and $20 for children between six and 17 years old.
Concession and family tickets are also available.
There will be live music, entertainment and face painting and walkers are encouraged to dress in red.
There will be prizes for best dressed people and dogs.
Register via bigredkidneywalk.org.au or on the day at the venue.
Donations can be made via the website or by phoning 1800 454 363.
