Editorial

The support we offer consists of: improving the quality of the lost time spent in dialysis; solving transport problems, and transport costs which cannot be covered by insurance (there are only four children’s dialysis units in Switzerland); respite for the overworked mothers/carers of these children; mediation between parents and medical staff in individual cases; providing funds for holiday dialysis camps; making well-deserved holidays possible for children an dialysis; providing tutoring to replace neglected education because of dialysis and medical visits; and much more as well as offering many other forms of practical, psychological and therapeutic help.

Through our promotions and the related press reports we have helped to sensitise the public towards a new understanding for kidney transplantation. The public needs to be made more aware of the facts and effects of renal disease in order to decide for themselves that the unnecessary loss of blossoming young lives can be prevented. Modern medicine has created possibilities which need our acceptance and through compassion our participation. With prevention in mind we take part in World Kidney Day showing youngsters how they can keep their kidneys "clean".

Our Committee works on a voluntary basis and is made up of 5 members whose job it is to support the president in her work and to act with a control function on the outgoings. We rely greatly on our Kids Kidney Carers to keep our costs low. These are for example, our voluntary lithographer, printers, web designer, pro bono solicitors and auditors amongst others.

Although Leonie is now healthy as a result of a transplant from her mother, Marilyn continues to work for those less fortunate. She is fully aware of the financial difficulties arising from kidney illness and the stress a family is put under with such a child.

Marilyn Zeller, together with:

• Esther Ammann, Chip Efthymiades

• Dr. Raymond C. Benoit

• Kate Hönigsberg

The following honorary members offer us help and advice:

• Prof. Mario Bianchetti, County Hospital, Bellinzona

• Prof. Sergio Fanconi, Director, Children’s Hospital, Lausanne

• Prof. E. Leumann, Former Head of Nephrology, Childrens' Hospital, Zurich

• Prof. Thomas J. Neuhaus, Retiring Head of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital Zürich, soon to take over the position Head of Children’s Clinic, Children’s Hospital, Luzerne

• Prof. Christoph Rudin, Head of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital, Basel

• Prof. Gil Thiel, Retired Head of Nephrology, County Hospital, Basel