Margie Maccoll
After participating in two car rallies to support the Cancer Council, Graeme Meade of Eumundi has teamed up with Bruce Chamberlain of Black Mountain to take part in the 2023 Kidney Kids Kar Rally to raise awareness of kidney disease and help kids suffering from the illness.
“Together we form Team Sunshine Blokes Kar97 and have devoted ourselves to supporting the efforts of Kidney Health Australia assisting young children and youths suffering with kidney disease,“ Graeme said.
“Unfortunately the numbers of young diagnosed with kidney disease is climbing, it’s a secret killer with no cure, and well worthy of our efforts to support.“
Graeme has discovered the more people he speaks to about kidney disease the more he hears about friends or relatives suffering from the disease and the life-shortening impact of it.
According to Transplant Australia people needing a kidney transplant can wait five to seven years.
The Australian Government Organ and Tissue authority said there were about 1750 people waiting for an organ transplant and a further 13,000 on dialysis, who may need a transplant.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) said chronic kidney disease (CKD) was generally not diagnosed until it had reached advanced stages where symptoms become more apparent.
Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys can no longer function adequately, at which point people require kidney replacement therapy (KRT) – a kidney transplant or dialysis – to survive.
AIHW figures from 2011-12 showed 1.7 million or 11 per cent of the population had signs of CKD and the incidence was growing.
CKD is largely preventable because many of its risk factors including high blood pressure, tobacco smoking and obesity are modifiable and other chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, are also risk factors for CKD, according to AIHW.
“The more you learn about kidney disease the more you want to look after yourself,“ Graeme said.
For more than 50 years, Kidney Health Australia has connected people to information, education and support services they need to preserve their kidney health and live a better quality of life if they are diagnosed with kidney disease.
The Kidney Kar Rally, now in its 34th year, is a fun event that involves multiple teams driving thousands of kilometres across the countryside with one ambition – to change the lives of children and young people affected by kidney disease.
This year the rally will be held from 13-19 August and run from Mudgee to Bateman’s Bay then on to its final destination at Narrandera.
Co-drivers Graeme and Bruce have secured a Mitsubishi Lancer for the venture and are working on a wardrobe of outlandish outfits in order to gain more points in the rally event.
Their car is yet to be decked out in rally clobber including stickers with the names of sponsors.
At present they are seeking donations and sponsors from the community, with all money donated going directly to Kidney Health Australia.
“If we can make life more comfortable for these kids than it’s worthwhile,“ Graeme said.
To donate to help Graeme and Bruce achieve their $3000 fundraising aim, visit kidney.org.au/fundraisers/SunshineBlokesKar97
