Hi my name is Kirsty,


As some of you may already know, some of my (sportier) work colleagues at Digidentity are embarking on the challenge of running in the 45th edition of the NN CPC Run in The Hague. Some will be running the 5km course, others 10km and 3 very brave colleagues will be running the Half Marathon!!! WOW!

The Digidentity team will not only be tackling the run with much determination they have also decided to give a helping hand to a good cause along the way. 

So, where do I fit into all of this you may be thinking? Well..... the cause that they have chosen to fundraise for is one that is very close to my heart, supporting those living with kidney disease and end stage kidney failure. For Digidentity's first team race they will be raising funds for Nierstichting (Nederland). The main charity in the Netherlands dedicated to awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease. 


MY OWN STORY

I was unexpectedly diagnosed with kidney disease around 1997 (when I was 12 years old). Soon after that point I started on steroid treatments along with lots of other pills and potions. For many years the treatment did manage to keep my kidneys at a functioning level. Unfortunately my kidney function did begin to steadily decline when I was around 23 years old. Luckily for me I managed to undergo a transplant in June 2010 without ever having to start dialysis. I received a kidney from my mum, recovered quite quickly and managed to return to work within 2 months or so.

In the last 10 years since my transplant I have been lucky enough to meet my partner, move to the Netherlands, buy my first home, get married and visit some beautiful countries around the world. Without the continued funding of kidney research, treatments, transplantation and after care then I would not have been well enough to do all these amazing things. 

Recently the function of my donated kidney has started to decline so at some point in the future I will need to start dialysis and/or have another transplant here in the Netherlands. I am hopeful for the future as recently there have been big developments in treatments, particularly great advances in artificial kidney technologies.  

This is just my story, however there are so many other people up and down the Netherlands that continue to be helped every day by Nierstichting Nederlands tireless work. Without donations this vital work cannot continue.  

Me just a few days after my transplant in June 2010. Looking very rough (and extra pale, haha!) being visited by my eldest nephew in St. James Teaching Hospital, Leeds, UK.


ABOUT NIERSTICHTING (NEDERLAND)

Your donations will go towards Nierstichting (Nederland) to help them continue to:-

*Provide information and the means to sign up to be a kidney donor
* Campaign for shorter waiting lists
* Conduct research into better treatments
* Conduct research and trials into artificial kidney development
* Conduct research to improve the quality of life for kidney patients
* Improve communication between GP's and hospitals (with the aim of diagnosing kidney disease earlier).
* Support patients by providing information and practical tools. 

The team are hoping to raise 1000 euros, so please give as much as you can spare, all amounts greatly appreciated!!!

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP?

* Support Nierstichting.nl by sharing awareness of what they do. Please follow, like and share their social media posts.

*Please come down to cheer on our Digidentity runners on Sunday 8th March 2020 in The Hague (please let me know if you would like more details about the schedule for the day).

To help me get the word out, please can you share my link to your Facebook Timeline!