Weyburn recently received a visit from David Watson of Harvey, New Brunswick, who is biking across Canada to raise awareness about kidney disease and money for the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

By biking across Canada, Watson hopes to raise $20,000 for the Kidney Foundation of Canada. When he arrived in Weyburn on June 5, it was his 35th day on the road and he had raised almost three-fourths of his goal.

"I have had at least 70 to 75 people so far who have gone to the website to pledge me, and I have received just under $7,500 so far."

Every penny that David raises is going right into the Kidney Foundation, which is a national volunteer organization committed to reducing the burden of kidney disease.

"Some people don't realize how big kidney disease is, and it is really important to learn more about it," David said, "especially since there are some forms of kidney disease that can be avoided, by talking to the doctor and getting informed."

David encourages everyone to become a certified organ donor. "It is very important to sit down with your family and talk about donating organs."

Right now, there are almost 4,000 Canadians waiting for an organ transplant. Most of these people, more than 75 per cent, are waiting for a kidney. "My father is a kidney transplant recipient, and I have seen such a major improvement in his life."

His journey started in Victoria, B.C., and his final destination is St. John's, Newfoundland, so he has estimated four months for the whole trip.

"Going over the mountains was such a huge challenge," he commented. "They really made me dig deep inside, and biking through them was part of the lowest-lows and the highest-highs of my journey so far. It was such a major accomplishment to finally get over them."

"One of the great things about this journey is the inspiring people that I have met," said David. "I have met so many people who are living with kidney disease, and have seen the goodness of residents who want to offer some good will."

Watson has not only received support from the residents he has met along the way, but from his family as well. "My family is very proud of me."

His cause is very personal, as David has dealt with kidney disease in several aspects in his life. His father, Randy Watson, was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PDK) in 1978 and his brother Steven was diagnosed with kidney disease at a young age. David himself was also recently diagnosed with PDK.

"In early 2005, when I was traveling overseas I discovered that I did inherit kidney disease from my father."

Watson recalled that he had a pretty good attitude about this discovery, "I had one really bad day, and then realized that it didn't change anything. I realized that now is the time to live my dreams, and live life to the fullest."

David said: "the second really great thing about this bike tour is being able to see Canada. I really get to explore my own country, in such a way that I have become a part of Canada."

Residents in Weyburn who want to pledge David can visit his website at www.BikeCanadaForKidney.com for more information.