Ten years ago, Marie-Eve Chainey, 29, was part of a sports training exchange program in Spain as a high-jumper.

While there, her energy was low and she was gaining weight, but figured it was likely due to the unusual diet and schedule. One day while in class, she became very dizzy and ended up in the hospital's intensive care unit where she was diagnosed with kidney failure.

The months following were very difficult as Chainey relapsed four times. She received more than 700 blood transfusions and underwent dialysis treatments three times a week. Almost a year later she was tied to a wheelchair, not even able to wash her hair.

"There were points when doctors didn't think I would make it," says Chainey.

But make it she did.

Despite her continued lethargy and weakness, Chainey jumped back. She negotiated a change to nocturnal dialysis, a form of dialysis that is done overnight for an average of eight hours, six nights a week. She also returned to the gym.

She is now a fourth-year nursing student at the University of Ottawa, a volunteer fitness coach, and a member of the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Team and the University of Ottawa GeeGees Track Team.

In 2010, she competed in high jump at the national level.

She is also the co-founder of the Alive to Strive Kidney Fitness Project, having decided to spread the word and help others living with kidney disease accomplish their dreams by gaining a greater level of fitness, something she knows was a great factor in her success.

"Unfortunately, many dialysis patients live relatively sedentary lives. Our program will help them set and reach customized fitness goals and connect with others," says Chainey.

Approximately two million Canadians are estimated to have chronic kidney disease. Diabetes and high blood pressure greatly contribute to the development and progression of the disease, but are both treatable with increased activity, good nutrition and weight loss.

Her non-profit organization, founded in 2011, is committed to helping those living with chronic kidney disease maintain a healthy lifestyle. The project has a fitness and weight loss grant program for individuals living with chronic kidney disease and hosts an annual race to raise funds and awareness of kidney health.

This year's race, scheduled for Sunday April 29 at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility and sponsored by Fresenius Medical Care, Sanofi, Alexion and Amgen, will include a one-kilometre walk/run, a five-kilometre race, a 10-kilometre competi-tive race, as well as a five-kilometre team challenge.

Proceeds from the race will go to the Alive to Strive grant program and runners can fundraise for the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Kidney Research Centre through the Ottawa Hospital Foundation and the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Alive to Strive's first grant recipient, Caleb Lewis, will be walking the 5K with his nine-year-old niece in this year's event thanks to a one-year membership to a fitness club and some personal training sessions.

"What this grant has given me, in fact, is pure motivation to become physically fit," says Lewis. "I've changed my diet with the help of my nurse and dietitian in order to help me reach the goal I've set for myself - to gain 15 pounds."

Last year's race raised $8,500 thanks to its almost 300 runners, including 12 dialysis patients, and its sponsors, Fresenius Medical Care, Genzyme and Amgen.

"It was a great feeling to see participants achieve their own goals and crossing the finish line," says Chainey.

"It just shows how if you put your mind to it, anything is possible! We can't wait to have the same success this year."

Register online for Alive to Strive Race at www.alivetostrive.ca before April 10 to avoid the late registration fee.

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