THUNDER BAY – HEALTH – At 30 years of age, George Gray was diagnosed with kidney disease and would need hemodialysis treatment. He was able to get that at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s satellite Renal Program in Sioux Lookout. Today, Gray is 52 years old and celebrating 22 years of living a healthy, normal life.
Three times a week, Gray makes the 45-minute drive from his community of Lac Seul First Nation to Sioux Lookout for his treatments. During hemodialysis, the person’s blood is fed through an IV tube into a dialysis machine that cleans the blood of toxins. The treatment takes approximately four hours per session – a total of 12 hours per week.
Hemodialysis is available at the Renal Program at the Health Sciences Centre, as well as at satellite sites in Fort Frances, Sioux Lookout and Kenora. The satellite sites allow patients like Gray to live in their home committees, rather than relocating to access the care they need.
“I’m really grateful for the quality treatment I’ve received, and that it’s available closer to home,” said Gray. “The doctors and nurses are terrific. They’re so kind and caring and really helped me throughout my treatment all these years.”
Gray is a great example of how you can still live a perfectly normal and happy life on dialysis if you take care of yourself, listen to your doctors, and follow your care plans. “It’s been 22 years and I’m still going strong, said Gray.” I feel really good about where I’m at – my health is in a good place.”
The Renal Program is supported thanks to generous donations from our community. Most recently, a new Bariatric Treatment Chair was purchased from proceeds of the Greek Supper Club event held in September 2016. You too can ensure patients who need this life-saving care are supported with the latest equipment to comfortably receive care in Northwestern Ontario. Visit healthsciencesfoundation.ca/donate or call 345-4673 to make your donation.
