Hundreds of residents gathered in Dollard-des-Ormeaux on Sunday, September 20, 2026, for a community walk aimed at raising awareness of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The event, organized by local advocate Luisa Miniaci-Di Leo, highlighted the need for research and support for people living with the hereditary condition.
Participants followed a marked route through the town, wearing ribbons and shirts bearing the PKD logo. Organizers distributed pamphlets that explained how the disease causes fluid‑filled cysts to develop in the kidneys and, in many cases, the liver. The materials also listed symptoms, screening recommendations and resources for families seeking medical advice.
Miniaci-Di Leo, who underwent a combined liver and kidney transplant in 2024 after multiple family members died from PKD, shared her personal connection to the cause. Her own experience underscores the seriousness of the disease and the importance of early detection. While no direct quotes are provided, her involvement in the walk reflects a broader effort to turn personal tragedy into community action.
The turnout, described as “hundreds” by event volunteers, suggests growing public interest in the issue. Local health officials were present to answer questions and to promote upcoming screening programs. They emphasized that PKD is one of the most common inherited kidney disorders and that early intervention can slow progression.
Beyond the immediate awareness goals, the walk also served as a fundraiser for research initiatives focused on genetic therapies and organ transplantation improvements. Donations collected at registration booths will be directed to a regional PKD foundation that supports both scientific studies and patient assistance programs.
Organizers hope that the visibility generated by the walk will encourage policymakers to allocate more funding toward PKD research and to improve access to transplant services. The event marks a continued effort in the Montreal area to bring attention to a disease that has claimed multiple lives within families like Miniaci-Di Leo’s, while also celebrating the resilience of those living with PKD.
The community walk in Dollard-des-Ormeaux stands as a reminder that collective action can amplify the voices of patients and families affected by hereditary illnesses, fostering both awareness and tangible support.