Komedy for Kidneys - Niagara Falls Comedy Fest

Want to know why Komedy for Kidneys is so important to me?? THEN READ THIS. Diagnosed with Glomerulonephritis (do not try to say it...you may sprain your tongue) and after 4 years of dialysis, I was informed that dialysis wasn't working to well and I was given about 6 months to live if we couldn't find a suitable donor. Eight years have passed since my brother saved my life with his kidney and a succesful transplant. I push for organ donation awareness and actively support the Kidney Foundation. Dialysis for me, was a test of endurance; mentally and physically. At 40 years of age, active in the communty and with a family of four to provide for it was financially stressful and constantly pounded my pride into the ground. I couldn't be out with my friends. My family now had a sick father who couldn't do the things I always did because I just couldn't physically keep up. The limits of the treatments made me very bitter and I was simply a nasty person to be around sometimes. I was most upset that everyone asked me "How are you?" with a look of concern instead of as a bright greeting. Dialysis and transplants have been the norm for nearly 60 years now...the dialysis equipment and success rates of renal transplants have vastly improved but it is still really an antiquainted treatment. You must understand...dialysis AND transplant are treatments; not cures. We need to help those living with Kidney Disease and we also need to research and define the causes. Komedy for Kidneys has raised thousands and thousands (approx $20,000 +) over the last 5 years live events to aid in the opening of a dialysis centre in Niagara Falls. That new Dialysis Centre is now open. It means dozens of people no longer have to make a trip out of Niagara Falls for treatments 2-3 times a week. An epic accomplisment made by the comics and the audiences who supported the show over the years. That centre has a plaque at the entrance honoring Rodney Pentland, a stand up comic and dear friend who died of complications due to Kidney disease. When my donated kidney fails (and I hope I can beat the record of 42 years with a spare part) I will have little time to do what I can to help people who are just bearing the shock of a life changing diagnosis, as I did over a decade ago. My time to give back is now. I really want to thank you, my family, my friends, especially Dino Fazio who works to organize this event with me... Thank you all for all your love and help. If you can't come...Sign your organ donor card. The last thing you do could be the greatest thing you've ever done. Mark Matthews - Co-chair - Komedy for Kidneys