ALIVE TO STRIVE OFFERS $8,500 FOR KIDNEY FITNESS GRANTS www.alivetostrive.ca

The Alive to Strive Kidney Fitness Project is proud to announce the launch of Ottawa's first fitness and weight loss grant program.

The organization has $8,500 available for Ottawa Hospital patients living with chronic kidney disease. Alive to Strive, founded in 2010, is committed to helping those living with chronic kidney disease maintain a healthy lifestyle. Those living with chronic kidney disease are at risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure, which are avoidable with increased activity and weight loss.

The fitness and weight loss grants are currently being offered to patients of the Ottawa Hospital who are on dialysis or with kidney function that is less than 30 per cent.

The Alive to Strive Kidney Fitness Project is really a frontline organization working directly with those living with kidney disease to encourage better health and provide a supportive network," explained Director Marie-Eve Chainey. "Unfortunately, many dialysis patients live relatively sedentary lives. Our program will help them set and reach customized fitness goals and connect with others."

This could be a simple as funding a membership to a bowling alley, the cost of a weight loss clinic, or even a membership to a fitness club.

Chronic kidney disease and the need for dialysis often result in loss of income and financial insecurity. Financial need can be determined with the assistance of the patient's social worker.

Applications are currently being accepted and grants will be awarded as they are approved. Funding permitted, the Alive to Strive Kidney Fitness Project hopes to eventually expand to other Ontario cities.

Funding for the Alive to Strive Kidney Fitness Project was made possible through the annual Alive to Strive Race. Last year's event, raised $8,500 thanks to its almost 300 runners and its sponsors, Fresenius Medical Services and Amgen.

This year's race will be held April 29 at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Proceeds will support the Alive to Strive grant program and runners will fundraise for the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Ottawa Hospital Foundation and the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

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