July 31, 2016
1784
Almost two years ago, Christopher Pennington (above) did not know a lot about kidney disease or the Kidney Walk.
Now, the 11-year-old has served as the local honourary chairman for the Owen Sound walk last year, and is honourary chairman of the inaugural Goderich Kidney Walk this year.
In October, 2014, Christopher, the son of Cathy Pennington of Kincardine, and Mark Pennington of Brussels, was diagnosed with an auto-immune disorder called Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) which can cause severe or chronic kidney disease. As a result of the HSP, in the spring of 2015, Christopher underwent a kidney biopsy and was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.
Even more unbelievable, during the course of the diagnosis, it was also discovered that he was born without his left kidney.
Despite the chronic kidney disease, Christopher continues to play sports, particularly hockey and fastball, bringing home medals. He plays goalie with his Peewee hockey team, and is the pitcher for his Squirt fastball team.
His ball team won a bronze medal in the western qualifiers and is seeded third for the finals in Belleville.
Christopher Pennington (right) with his baseball trophies; photos and video courtesy of Cathy Pennington
Right after that tournament in June, Christopher became sick and was off the ball field for two weeks.
“This hot, humid weather is tough for him,” says his mother, Cathy. “He has to drink lots of liquids and take care of himself. It's better for him in the winter.”
With the help of the doctors at London's Children's Hospital (Sick Kids) and the support of the Kidney Foundation, as well as the proper precautions in place, Christopher is determined to continue being an active boy playing the sports he loves so much. "He believes he has all the right people taking care of him at the Children's Hospital, and is looking forward to working alongside the Kidney Foundation to find a cure for kidney disease," says Cathy.
"I wear kidney protection so I can play baseball and when I play hockey," says Christopher. "It's important because I want to play."
Christopher Pennington pitching for his Brussels team
That same determination is at the forefront of the efforts by him and his team, Christopher's Crew, as they fund-raised $6,000 for the Kidney Walk in Owen Sound last year. Already, they are working to raise even more for the Goderich Walk.
Christopher's personal goal is to raise $4,000 – and he has $900 of that already pledged. His team has a total of $1,010 pledged.
As top fund-raising team, Christopher's Crew asked the Kidney Foundation if the walk could be held closer to the team's location – which prompted the creation of the Goderich walk.
Cathy says there are 100 teams registered for the event which runs Sunday, Sept. 11, with registration at 9 a.m., and the walk at 10 a.m., at the Goderich Waterfront Boardwalk Pavilion 4, The Cove.
“Last year, the walk was tough for Christopher, trekking through Harrison Park,” says Cathy. “This year will be easier, because we're walking on the boardwalk along Lake Huron.”
Christopher's Crew has one $250 donation, from Matt Harvey of Kincardine, as a one-kilometre sponsor, and is seeking four more such sponsors for the five-kilometre walk.
Joining the crew are Christopher's cousin, two friends, his parents and his brother, Jamie.
Christopher, who turns 12, Dec. 6, knows that many people with chronic kidney disease lose kidney function and require a transplant. He also knows that for many people, dialysis is the only option as there are not enough kidneys available for transplant.
"I want everyone to support the Kidney Foundation through its many fund-raisers, including the Kidney Walk on Sept. 11 in Goderich,” says Christopher. The event helps raise money for kidney research, and programs that help support Canadians living with kidney disease.
Christopher reminds people of the following facts:
Christopher urges people to register to become an organ donor so that fewer people will require dialysis, and more people can receive a kidney transplant, allowing them to lead a normal life again.
He also encourages everyone to support Christopher's Crew and Christopher Pennington in the Kidney Walk, through pledges on-line at the following website: https://m.akaraisin.com/11266/participant/28328383
Christopher is going into Grade 7 at F. E. Madill Middle School in Wingham.
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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