February 10, 2025

Kidney disease is something that Shane Biehn, Wealth Advisor, Advising Representative at CC&L Private Capital in Saskatoon, understands all too well. “I have close friends and family who have diabetes, which is just an awful disease. It can slowly wear a person down, affecting the heart and circulation, which can even lead to amputation and kidney disease. Preventative care is so important.” So, when St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation launched their By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign, Shane jumped at the chance to get involved. The campaign aims to raise $10 million to proactively address barriers to kidney health and provide a more holistic and comprehensive healthcare experience to those experiencing late-stage kidney disease. 

Chronic kidney disease affects one in 10 Canadians, and one in three Indigenous peoples living with the disease. “The By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign goes into communities with high rates of chronic kidney disease, offering prescreening and education services to proactively address kidney health,” Shane says. “When you go into St. Paul's, and you see the hemodialysis unit, you wonder how many of those people might not be there if they had more access to health education and preventative treatment.” 

Showing our support

Shane has served as a volunteer Director on the St. Paul's Hospital Foundation Board for the past two years. “St. Paul's is right by the CC&L Private Capital office in the Riversdale community in Saskatoon,” he explains, “and does a lot for the local community, helping those experiencing the effects of poverty and intergenerational trauma. As such, I was also particularly interested in their fundraising initiatives. So, I joined St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation as a way to get involved.” 

When Shane approached the CC&L Foundation for funds to support the By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign, he didn’t realize how significant the issue of kidney disease was for the Foundation. “The CC&L Foundation committee member knew all about the devastating impact of diabetes and chronic kidney disease through their connection with the northern communities in British Columbia. It’s an issue impacting communities across Canada.”  

The CC&L Foundation aims to enrich the communities in which staff live and work by creating philanthropic and volunteer opportunities. The Foundation has committed $60,000 over the next three years to the By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign, contributing to the over $7 million dollars that St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation has currently raised. “Our goal is $10 million,” Shane says, “so we still have a few million more to go by the summer to realize the transformative plans we have for kidney health in Central and Northern Saskatchewan.”  

By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign

The By Your Side Kidney Care Campaign focuses on three key initiatives: early screening programs, kidney health and education, and holistic care. In the first phase, through partnerships with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, Lac La Ronge Indian Band and Kinistin Saulteaux Nation, St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation has launched a pilot project providing point-of-care early screening in remote communities, raising awareness and empowering individuals to take preventive measures if needed. The next step will see the creation of a Kidney Health and Education Centre, simplifying access and processes for patients, their families and medical staff. The centre will also include a one-of-a-kind Transition Program that will provide tailored support for patients and their families, helping them to understand and manage their treatments effectively. In addition, the creation of an Indigenous Healing Centre will offer a space for patients to find support that will honour the distinct perspectives of Indigenous communities. You can visit the campaign website to learn more: About The Campaign | St. Paul's Hospital Foundation

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This post is for information only and is not intended as investment advice. The views expressed are those of the author at the time of publication and are subject to change at any time.

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