Montreal’s Walk to End PKD celebrates 10 years
Posted September 22, 2025 10:11 am.
Last Updated September 22, 2025 5:52 pm.
The Walk to End PKD has become a tradition reaching its 10th anniversary in Montreal.
The day is where families affected by the disease come together to raise funds and awareness for polycystic kidney disease, but also a celebration of love and support from a community that keeps growing.
“I’m glad that this grassroots event it’s bringing all these people together from all over the island of Montreal,” said Luisa Miniaci, Montreal chapter coordinator of the PKD foundation of Canada.
The walk on Sunday in the city’s Dollard-Des-Ormeaux, brought together over 200 participants.
As for Miniaci, she never missed a year — even if she had to attend virtually in 2024 from her hospital bed.
The PKD advocate had to undergo a liver and kidney transplant.
This year, she was back in person and was awarded the Medal of the National Assembly of Quebec, for her commitment to raising awareness about PKD and helping to fight for those affected by it.
“All the compassion and all the dedication of these people, it’s unbelievable,” she said. “We have volunteers here that have been here for 10 years, 10 years, just as long as the walk.”
“I’m actually very proud of myself and everyone that comes out here every year,” said volunteer, Pina Di Turi. “This is really not a thought process for me.”
“It’s something that should be done automatically,” she added. “I love it.”
Polycystic kidney disease is a chronic, genetic disease causing uncontrolled growth of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, often leading to kidney failure.
“I never heard of PKD before meeting Luisa,” said volunteer, Anna Loffredi. “When I did hear about it, it’s like I was just flabbergasted on how this disease can affect so many people.”
After this year’s milestone, they hope to continue building momentum toward better care, treatments, and eventually a cure — one step at a time.
“I said my special prayer this morning, thanking my donor for allowing me to be back and do this again,” said Miniaci. “I’ll continue to do it as long as I have the energy.”
