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Kidney Kids Head to the Gold Coast Next Week for Adventure
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7/04/2009

Kidney Kids Head to the Gold Coast Next Week for Adventure

Media Release
Kidney Kids Head to the Gold Coast Next Week for Adventure

7 April 2009

Sixty children from around Australia between the ages of seven and seventeen suffering from kidney disease, many of them transplanted or on dialysis, will all head to the Gold Coast next Tuesday for the Kidney Kids Camp organised by Kidney Health Australia.

Billy Kidney will also be flying from Melbourne on his own with twin sister Betty not able to make this year's camp because of prior engagements.

Anne Wilson, CEO of Kidney Health Australia said the Kidney Kids Camp is held every eighteen months to provide
  • An environment where entertainment and structured, adult-supervised activities are available for Kidney Kids with access to medical treatment.
  • An opportunity for Kidney Kids to develop informal support networks and interact with peers with similar health issues.
  • Respite for families and carers.

    Image right: Peter Lanyon with Billy Kidney at the start of the 2008 Kidney Kar Rally

    Because of the special needs of the children who are on dialysis Kidney Health Australia has formed a strong partnership with a number of Paediatric Renal Units around Australia including the Monash Medical Centre and the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne; the Women's and Children's Hospital Adelaide and the Queensland Child and Adolescent Renal Service, the Mater Children's Hospital and the Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane which will act as the host hospital for this year's camp.

    A comprehensive medical support team headed by Dr Steven McTaggart, will be on hand to provide 24 hour care and support.

    Ms Wilson said all up over one hundred people are expected to take part in the camp at the Tallebudgera Active Recreation Centre, 1525 Gold Coast Highway, North Palm Beach, in Queensland.

    "Many of the experiences such as raft building, rock climbing, talent nights and community activities are designed to provide a team work environment for personal success and achievement."

    Ms Wilson said the Kidney Kids Camps are only possible through the extensive fundraising carried out by a dedicated group of entrants in the annual Kidney Kar Rally who support children with kidney disease.

    Kidney Health Australia, a not for profit organization was founded in 1968 as the Australian Kidney Foundation. The focus of Kidney Health Australia is to improve kidney health outcomes which lead to substantial improvements to the quality of life for people with kidney and urinary tract diseases, their families and carers as well as developing initiatives that reduce the incidence of kidney disease in the Australian community.

    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 are at increased risk of developing CKD
  • 1 in 7 adults have 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
  • Deaths from kidney failure have doubled in the past 20 years
  • Every day, 6 Australians commence expensive dialysis or transplantation to stay alive

    Advance Alert

    Kidney Kids Camp Media Briefing
    In amongst the Action with Billy Kidney

    11.30am Wednesday 15th April 2009

    Tallebudgera Active Recreation Centre,
    1525 Gold Coast Highway, North Palm Beach

    Media Enquiries:
    Anne Wilson CEO Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0400 165 391

    Ron Smith, National Media Communications, Kidney Health Australia (03) 9818 5700
    Mobile: 0417 329 201

    Breaking News:
    Kidney Kar Rally Kars The Bushrangers and Crazy Frog will be attending the Kidney Kids Camp for photos with the children.


    Kidney Kar Rally Kar Crazy Frog


    Kidney Kar Rally Kar The Bushrangers



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