September 18, 2026
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The sixth annual Huron-Bruce Kidney Walk has raised $19,800 in support of the Kidney Foundation.
Held Sunday morning at Station Beach, Kincardine, the event drew teams and individuals from Goderich, along with the steadfast crew of Kincardine and Ripley, led by organizers Cathy Pennington and Leigh-Anne Quinn.
MC Mike Brough welcomed everyone to the walk and commended Pennington on her 11th year organizing and promoting this event which was held in Goderich for five years before becoming the Huron-Bruce walk in 2021.
Pennington thanked the many participants and volunteers.
Quinn also thanked everyone for helping out and taking part. "Together, we are working for a future free of kidney disease."
Guest speaker Cassandra Jamieson, 33, of Dungannon told the crowd about her experience with the disease and finally having a kidney transplant.
Employed at Compass Minerals in Goderich, she was fortunate that her company supported her through one of the most difficult periods of her life.
"April 24, 2021, while I was at work, I received a call from my doctor's office," she said. "The receptionist told me I needed to go the emergency room immediately. My first response was, 'I can't. I'm at work.'
"A few minutes later, my family doctor called personally and told me that I was in active kidney failure and needed to go to the emergency room right away.
"That day changed my life."
She was diagnosed with Stage 5 kidney disease and end-stage kidney failure.
"What made it even more shocking was that I had no warning signs," said Jamieson. "No symptoms; no indication that anything was wrong. Within months, I had crashed into dialysis."
She was away from work for more than six months but her company showed extraordinary support.
"My co-workers and leadership checked in regularly, sent flowers, offered encouragement, and reminded me that my health came first," she said. "Some co-workers even drove me to dialysis appointments when I needed help."
When she was able to return to work, it wasn't easy, as she balanced 12 hours of dialysis each night, transplant work-up appointments, and a full-time job. However, returning to work gave her a sense of normalcy and purpose, and helped her stay focused on living her life instead of letting her illness define it.
"Then came an incredible act of generosity," said Jamieson. "Two co-workers and a cousin volunteered to be tested as potential kidney donors. One of those co-workers was also my neighbour. She completed the screening process first and turned out to be a perfect match."
June 1, 2022, they went through the transplant surgery together.
"Once again, Compass Minerals stood beside me through every step of that journey," said Jamieson, "supporting me during recovery and helping me transition back to work when I was ready. Even now, that support continues as I require ongoing medical care and regular specialist appointments.
"As I stand here today, my message is simple: It doesn't matter whether you work for a large corporation, a small business, or a family-owned company, what matters is finding a workplace where you feel valued, respected, heard and supported. I was fortunate to find that at Compass Minerals.
"I am grateful not only for the support of my employer, but also the incredible community of co-workers, my husband, friends, family members, health-care professionals, and my organ donor who helped me through the most challenging chapter of my life.
"So, I encourage all of you to advocate for yourselves, lean on your support systems when you need them, and never under-estimate the impact that kindness can have on someone's journey."
About 50 people headed out on the five-kilometre walk along the boardwalk, and enjoyed a free hot dog barbecue afterwards.
If you would like to volunteer to work with the Crew and the annual Huron-Bruce Kidney Walk, contact Pennington at cathyhambly09@gmail.com.
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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