Today, there are more than two million Canadians suffering from some form of kidney disease. Whether it be diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney stones, even with today’s treatments, people’s quality of life is severely affected. And with more than 3,000 people currently on a wait list for a kidney transplant, it’s projected the number of Canadians requiring dialysis will double in the next decade. However, for the past 12 years, the Showdown in the Downtown event has been bringing the fight to kidney disease. Literally.
What began as a combat sports event, Showdown in the Downtown is responsible for $2.4 million in donations since the gong first sounded. In the years since, Showdown has switched between hosting amateur fighting competitions and live concerts, all in the name of supporting those suffering from kidney-related illnesses. But with 2020’s raging bull of a pandemic flipping society on its head, Showdown’s dedicated committee of volunteers had to sidestep out of the way and reassess.
Used to having to think on its feet, the committee opted to host a virtual concert featuring the musical talents of Canada’s own, Our Lady Peace. To help raise awareness for the various causes backed by this event, the concert was free-of-charge, allowing viewers to donate as they saw fit. A smashing success, 2020’s improvised Showdown raised over $280,000.
As two of Canada’s leading research facilities focused exclusively on solving major challenges in organ transplantation, the Matthew Mailing Centre for Translational Transplant Studies and the Lilibeth Caberto Kidney Clinical Research Unit (KCRU) have been fortunate to receive the support of this event for many years.
“Our aim is to better understand and prevent organ injury associated with organ donation, as early events in the donation process can reduce long-term function and lead to premature failure,” says Dr. Anthony Jevnikar, Mailing Centre’s lead scientist and co-director for the Multi-Organ Transplant Program.
Harnessing the latest technology in thermal dynamics, the Mailing Centre team is working to create storage and transportation devices specifically designed for transplant organs. With the ability to optimize organ preservation temperatures, these units will increase their healthiness and viability en route to transplantation. Clinical trials are set to begin soon in London.
Similarly, researchers at the KCRU are working hard to improve therapies as they pertain to kidney disease. Many who undergo dialysis understand the need to do so, but are disheartened at having to sacrifice their quality of life. From wearable artificial kidneys, to arterial implants designed to protect the heart and brain during dialysis, Dr. Chris McIntyre and his team are championing innovative clinical techniques to enhance patient care.
These physicians know, when people are faced with overwhelming odds, the will to turn the tide is that much more pervasive. And with Showdown in the Downtown in their corner, along with the generous donors who support it, they’re confident in their ability to KO kidney disease once and for all. This is the driving force behind both the KCRU’s and Mailing Centre’s group of researchers: to boldly break new ground in hopes of providing as many people possible with a second healthier chance at life.