Thank you for visiting my page! I was diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy over 20 years ago, a time when not much was known about IgAN. I had just started my Master of Clinical Science Program at University of Western, and it was a pretty big shock. I was not deemed high risk during my first pregnancy in 2006 and ended up with pre-ecclampsia and an emergency induction, along with a 10 day hospital stay. It was then that I met my awesome current nephrologist, lead of a specialty renal clinic for high-risk pregnancies, and this is when I first started to realize the impact of my diagnosis. After my second pregnancy also resulted in pre-ecclampsia (thankfully as I was followed, there was a planned induction date), I knew I had to take better care of my kidneys as they were progressively declining. What started as Stage 1 kidney disease in 2001 has now advanced to Stage 4. 

One of the hardest challenges has been this feeling of being alone. As IgAN is a rare disease, it is pretty difficult to find anyone else who has it. I was so thankful for the care I received (and still do) from my nephrologist and my Kidney Care Clinic Team, but I did often feel isolated. And then I was introduced to IgA Nephropathy Foundation. A life-changer in terms of support, advocacy, outreach, and care.

The foundation is a non-profit and truly is invested in patient care as it offers support calls, contacts, financial aid, heavily subsidized conferences, and so much more. I was recently trained as an Ambassador to Canada for the IgAN Foundation, and am keen to spread awareness of this disease, provide outreach to patients, and fundraise. Do you know ALL the money from donations go directly to research for IgAN? 

I have two events planned this year:

1. May 18th - Streetsville Village IgAN Awareness Day Event from 10 am to 1 pm - come visit my table!

2. Fall - I Can for IgAN Fundraising Walk/Dance/Social: A walk through Streetsville, followed by Bollywood Dance (donate for the Zoom link if you can't attend) and food!

I thank you in advance for your support - any amount counts! Your donation benefits me directly! We need to find a cure. 

CANADIAN SUPPORTERS PLEASE NOTE: While outreach is global, IgAN Foundation is a US charity. As such, donations are in USD, and may not be tax deductible. Some have opted to e transfer me their donation so I can convert to USD & donate on their behalf: ruchi.ambike@gmail.com.

Much love,

Ruchi

Unite for Change: Stand with Me Against IgA Nephropathy

Your generous contribution is a beacon of hope, funding crucial research aimed at eradicating this rare autoimmune kidney disease. It's more than just a donation – it's a lifeline that brings us one step closer to a cure.

Thank you for making a difference.