Tiana Peet cuts ribbon as friend Jennifer Chiappe (l) looks on at the start of the Prince George Kidney Walk Sunday. Photo 250 News

Prince George, B.C. – “An amazing turnout” is the phrase used by Diane Duperron to describe the participation in Sunday’s Prince George Kidney Walk at the Northern Sport Centre.

She was the co-ordinator of this year’s walk which is held to raise funds for kidney patients and their families and to bring attention to the importance of kidney transplants and organ donation.   The Kidney Walk also provides a platform to recognize and celebrate special partnerships including individuals who are doing their part for the cause.

One such partnership exists between Jennifer Chiappe and Tiana Peet, who met seven years ago.  After Chiappe said she had been diagnosed with kidney disease and that she would one day have to have a kidney transplant, Peet offered to give her one of hers.  That donation and transplant occurred June 1^st, as 26-year-old Peet held true to her word and her friend.

Both were on hand, along with walk organizers, acting Mayor Murry Krause and Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty, to cut the ribbon and officially kick off Sunday’s walk around the NSC track.  Prior to that the Service BC staff received the kidney foundation’s Leadership Award for their efforts in support of the cause.

The amazing thing was the large number of people who took part.  There were approximately fourty people who volunteered their time to make sure the event went smoothly.  And Diane Duperron and her staff estimate 200 participants were involved in the walk itself.  “It was a lot bigger than in previous years,” say Duperron, “and that is very gratifying.”

The exact tally is still being counted but she says the Prince George Kidney Walk raised approximately $30,000.