Did you know that it’s World Kidney Day tomorrow, Thursday, March 14?

Now you do!

Your kidneys are one (or two, if you’re lucky!) of the most important organs in the body. They are responsible for many essential biological roles such as removing toxins and excess water from the blood, controlling blood pressure and producing red blood cells.

However, the prevalence of kidney disease is increasing dramatically and the treatment of this growing epidemic is an enormous burden on families around the world. Between 8 and 10% of the adult population have some form of kidney damage, and every year millions die prematurely of complications related to Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKD).

World Kidney Day is a joined initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Foundation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF). This annual event first took place in 2006, and hasn’t stopped growing since. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to our overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems.

World Kidney Day is celebrated worldwide, bringing together millions of people in over 150 countries and uniting them to produce a powerful voice for kidney health awareness. Every year, the campaign highlights a particular theme. In 2013, World Kidney Day is focusing on Acute Kidney Injury.

Countless local and national events are organised by ISN and IFKF national associations, professionals, stakeholders, healthcare authorities, and individuals who want to make a difference. This year, World Kidney Day is being brought to NUI Galway by none other than the ALIVE Volunteering Programme!

On Thursday, the Foyer of Áras na MacLéinn will be transformed into a mini-carnival with (kidney shaped) jelly-beans at the centre of the action.

The event is being organised by ALIVE interns Siobhán Wilcock, Rachel Kelly, Isabella De Luca and Jane Kearns in order to raise funds and awareness for Irish Kidney Association, the charity that supports and represents kidney patients in Ireland.

From 11am-4pm the Foyer will be taken over by stands with popcorn, candyfloss and jelly-bean challenges.

There will be lots of games to play including Jenga, Twister and Connect 4. They do say that college is a second childhood, after all.

A team of ALIVE’s ninja volunteers will be working hard after dark to organise a jelly-bean explosion around campus leading up to Thursday. Students are invited to make a list of ten jelly-beans they’ve spotted in the college to be in with a chance to win a prize sponsored by Gino’s Ice Cream Parlour and Italian Soc.

An Easter Bunny mascot will be hopping around campus for the day spreading the word.

And best of all, Italian Soc are giving students a chance to win a new Ipad!

All are welcome to stop by to hear fun facts about their kidneys, take a donor card, participate in the (very competitive) jelly-bean games, pick up a tasty treat and maybe drop some change in the collection buckets.

You might find a new appreciation for these hard-working organs, and make a renewed promise to treat them with care in thanks.