The Kidney Foundation of Canada Northern Alberta & the Territories Branch, in conjunction with the Edmonton Eskimos, is pleased to announce Dan Comiskey, Edmonton Eskimo Lineman, as Honorary Chair for the Kidney Foundation. Dan's desire to support the Kidney Foundation is sparked by his loving devotion to his baby daughter who is living with multiple organ failure, her kidneys in particular. The Edmonton Eskimos stand behind Dan and the Kidney Foundation in his efforts to fight against kidney disease and to promote organ and tissue donation. Dave Jamieson, Director of Communications for the Edmonton Eskimos, says, "Kidney and tissue donation is a medical issue that affects thousands of Canadians. The Edmonton Eskimo Football Club is proud to lend its support to Dan Comiskey, his family, and the Kidney Foundation of Canada in their on-going efforts to deliver the message that organ donations do save lives."
Dan understands first hand the importance of organ donation. One of Dan and Raina Comiskey's three children, Lauren, suffered multiple organ failure after complications at birth. Lauren's chance for survival was slim, but she defied the odds and miraculously clawed her way back to health. This miracle child stunned doctors as her kidneys, which suffered the most damage of all her organs, inexplicably improved from 25% overall function to as high as 50%. But despite her courageous battle, this beautiful child, who just had her 2nd birthday, will need a kidney transplant to survive.
Lauren is currently on the organ transplant waiting list along with over 4,025 other Canadians. Dan, Raina, and their other children, Jane and Danny, can only hope Lauren receives the "gift of life", that is, a donated kidney. Dan will donate one of his kidneys if he's a match, even if it puts an end to his football career. Dan says, "If there is nobody in our family who can help Lauren, we will have to depend on the charity of a stranger. My wife and I would be willing to pay it forward by donating a kidney to another family in need. We believe that if one person in every family that needs a transplant agrees to this, we can all take care of each other".
Join Eskimo lineman, Dan Comiskey, Honorary Chair for the "Give the Gift of Life" Fun Run & Walk and his family on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at Rundle Park, Edmonton in support of organ and tissue donation awareness. To register and find out more information go to www.kidney.ab.ca or call the Kidney Foundation office at (780) 451-6900
The Edmonton Eskimo Football Club is one of the most successful teams in CFL history with 13 Grey Cup championships and a North American pro-sports record of 34 consecutive years in the playoffs. A community-owned team, the Eskimos pride themselves on giving back to the community that has supported the organization throughout its illustrious history.
For more information on the Edmonton Eskimos log on to www.esks.com.
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