World Kidney Day
Approximately 2 million Australians may be affected by
early-stage kidney disease and don't know it. Over 40 Australians
die of kidney failure each day and 11.3% of all deaths in Australia
are due to, or associated with, kidney failure.
Kidney Health Australia will use the celebration of World
Kidney Day to recognise young Geelong Cats star Tom Lonergan for his
outstanding display of courage and inspiration to all patients
suffering with Chronic Kidney Disease.
Image above right: Geelong Cats star Tom Lonergan
Tom had a kidney removed as the result of a football injury in an
AFL game late in 2006, however made a triumphant return to the game
in 2007 including the VFL Grand Final kicking six goals and has now
returned to the senior team.
Anne Wilson CEO of Kidney Health
Australia said the
Operation Angel Awards recognise people
and organisations that make an outstanding contribution to Kidney
Health in Australia in the medical, carer, and public awareness
fields.
"In Tom's case it is quite clear he has been and will continue to
be an inspiration to people suffering with kidney disease through
his courage and determination to get back in the game and on with
life."
Ms Wilson said Kidney Health Australia has also recognised the
Geelong Cats through its Board, Staff, Players and Supporters for
the encouragement and assistance it provided Tom to cope with the
traumatic life changing experience of losing one of his kidneys.
Brian Cook, CEO of the Geelong Cats will accept the award on behalf
of the Club.
"Whilst World Kidney Day is based on awareness and the fact that
only 5% of people know where their kidneys are and what they do, we
also see it as a day to celebrate the courage and determination of
people to cope with kidney disease and the often unsung efforts of
their carers, friends and families who support them."
Fast Facts on Chronic Kidney Disease in Australia
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant and growing public
health problem, responsible for substantial burden of illness and
premature mortality.
In Australia, it is a fact that:
1 in 3 adults is at increased risk of developing CKD
1 in 7 adults has at least one clinical sign of existing CKD
A person can lose up to 90% of their kidney function before
experiencing any symptoms
Approximately 2 million Australians may be affected by
early-stage kidney disease and don't know it
Over 40 Australians die of kidney failure each day
11.3% of all deaths in Australia are due to, or associated with,
kidney failure
Every day, 6 Australians commence expensive dialysis or
transplantation to stay alive
Most people with CKD will die from cardiovascular causes before
requiring dialysis or transplantation
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders experience excessive
death and disability due to CKD
The dialysis-dependent population has risen by an average of 8%
per year over the past decade, and is being fuelled by the ageing
population, and Type 2 diabetes epidemic
It costs approximately $70,000 per annum to keep a person alive
on dialysis
There is consistent evidence that with proper medications and
management, the number of people with kidney failure can be
significantly reduced. However, early stages of kidney disease often
go un- recognised, and the knowledge of what can be done to help
patients is often not applied.
Media Enquiries:
Anne Wilson, CEO Kidney Health Australia
Mobile: 0400 165 391
Ron Smith National Media Communications
Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0417 329 201
Tom Peeters Geelong
Cats Media Mobile: 0400 119 577
