By Nathan Howes SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Walk to Give the Gift of Life to kidney patients is in "much better shape now," he said. "I've kept on doing what I've been doing. I bumped things up a little bit -- I do 60 sit-ups every morning now. I used to do 50. I've been doing that now for probably six or seven months," said Newman. It doesn't stop there. In March, Newman went for his twice-yearly kidney check-up. The doctor was impressed and said Newman need not return for eight months. "I (now) only have to do blood work every other month instead of monthly, which I have been doing since my transplant," said Newman. He also underwent an operation for cancer in 2011 and his specialist recently told him to come back for a checkup in a year. "These are all signs that things are getting better. I hope I can keep on going in that direction," said Newman. When it comes to his health, he said every little bit counts. "When I look at where I was seven years ago and where I am today... health-wise, it was all done in baby steps," said the Oakville resident. Recently, Newman registered as an organ donor through the Oakville Be a Donor campaign; yet another reason for him to stay healthy -- so what he gives away will be in good shape, he said. "Somebody was nice enough to donate the one (kidney) I have and gave it to me to let me carry on. I figure I'm going to do the same for somebody else down the road," said Newman. According to the Kidney Foundation, an estimated 1.5 million Ontarians have, or are at risk of developing, kidney disease. More than 1,000 Ontarians are waiting for a kidney transplant. The location of the walk was moved to Bronte Creek Provincial Park this year. "In the fall, Bronte Park is always known for its (activities). There is always stuff going on at the park. I thought it would make for a nice venue," said Newman. "It could be very pretty if the fall colours happen at the same time." With a new location, Newman is hoping for a 27 · Friday, September 14, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Halton residents are encouraged to get moving on Sept. 22 to help kidney patients receive the gift of life. The Kidney Foundation of Canada's Give the Gift of Life Walk raises money to help patients and their families through research, advocacy, and support programs. More than 40 walks will take place province-wide. Oakville's second Give the Gift of Life Walk is happening at Bronte Creek Provincial Park. Last year's walk went better than planned for its co-ordinator, 55-year-old Ron Newman of Oakville -- a kidney patient, himself. Newman said nearly 120 people participated last year, raising approximately $11,000. "It was very rewarding. I went into it figuring if I could make a few thousand dollars, it would be okay with me," said Newman. "I didn't even dream of getting anywhere near there." Newman who was the recipient of a kidney transplant in 2005, got involved with the Kidney Foundation as a peer mentor and volunteer in 1996, a year after he started dialysis. "Kidney disease just knocked the hell out of my legs. My legs just don't have the power they used to, but I'm working on it. I've come a long way in a year," said Newman. Newman's health has improved since the 2011 walk. Though he was in fair shape then, he larger turnout this year. The goal of this year's walk is to raise $20,000. More than $10,500 has been donated as of Sept. 13. Newman and his Dialysis Dudes team have raised nearly $1,100 so far. "I'm pretty proud and impressed of where I am (compared) to where I was seven years ago, but it wasn't easy. It's hard work. I refuse to give up." The walk starts at 11 a.m. at Bronte Creek Provincial Park. Registration is at 10 a.m. Participants must bring their pledge form. To register or to make a donation, visit www. kidneywalk.ca. Time is Precious, Mistakes are Costly and Decorating is Complicated. Annex dAnce AcAdemy | 905.829.1610 w w w. a n n e x d a n c e a c a d e m y. c o m