Message from BC Renal Executive Director

Dr. Adeera Levin

Executive Director, BC Renal

Dear BC kidney community,

2021, much like 2020, was a year of unprecedented challenge, hardship and loss. The ongoing pandemic, compounded by severe weather events due to climate change, had a profound impact on our personal worlds as well as the health system and our roles within it. We continued to learn more about the devastating impacts of colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous peoples, and we joined new collective commitments to action.

Within this extraordinary context, I am humbled by the ongoing dedication and efforts of our care teams across BC who put the needs of patients first, adapting to constant change along the way.

Behind the scenes in 2021, patient partners, provincial committees and professional groups across our network continued to seek opportunities to improve care and quality of life for people living with kidney disease. This resulted in new provincial initiatives and resources, many of which are described in this publication.

The road ahead will all but certainly have many twists and turns. One of my favourite quotes in these situations remains, “When you walk to the edge of all the light you have and take that first step into the darkness of the unknown, you must believe that one of two things will happen: There will be something solid for you to stand upon, or, you will be taught how to fly.”*

We at BC Renal extend our sincere thanks to everyone in our kidney care network for your continued dedication, courage and compassion. We believe in your ability to find the ground, or your wings, when the need arises.

With respect and admiration,

Dr. Adeera Levin Executive Director

*Quote by Patrick Overton