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| Last updated on July 21, 2008 |
"Promote research to find a cure for Polycystic kidney disease and improve the care and treatment of those it affects."
Polycystic Kidney Disease is the most common genetic, life threatening disease affecting more than 600,000 Americans and an estimated 12.5 million people worldwide - regardless of sex, age, race or ethnic origin. In fact, PKD affects more people than cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, Down syndrome and sickle cell anemia — combined.
Polycystic means multiple cysts. In effect, PKD denotes multiple cysts on each kidney. These cysts grow and multiply over time, also causing the mass of the kidney to increase. Ultimately, the diseased kidney shuts down causing end-stage renal disease for which dialysis and transplantation are the only forms of treatment.
PKD comes in two forms. Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is the most common, affecting 1-in-400 to 1-in-500 adults. Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD) is far less common, affecting 1-in-10,000 at a far younger age, including newborns, infants and children.
Description:
We are a local chapter of the PKD foundation. We are here to promote research to find a cure for PKD and improve the care and treatment of those it affects in the local area and nationwide. We hold chapter meetings to raise awareness and educate the local communities. We will hold a the national "Walk for PKD" in Layton, UT on September 15, 2007 to help raise funds to promote research for a cure or treatment.
History:
The PKD Foundation was founded in 1982 thanks to the care, interest and actions of two men. Joseph H. Bruening was in search of hope; encouragement and information regarding PKD after both his wife and daughter had been diagnosed with the disease. He read a newspaper article about a doctor named Jared J. Grantham who was doing PKD research in Kansas City. Joseph and Jared pooled their time, talent, and resources to establish the PKD Foundation - committed to finding a treatment and cure for PKD.
Mr. Bruening passed away in January 2004, but the seeds he helped plant continue to flourish. The PKD Foundation has grown from an organization funding its first grant of $25,000 for PKD research in 1984 to annually funding millions of dollars of peer-approved research. There are now 33 full-time staff members, regional operations, and a volunteer chapter network spanning the globe. The foundation also works with Congress to secure federal funds for PKD research.
Mr. Bruening was quoted as saying: "I will not go to my grave without knowing that I did everything in my power to find a cure." His dedication and determination are an inspiration to us all.
The PKD Foundation is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, and benefits from the guidance of an esteemed Board of Trustees including doctors, researchers and business people from across the country. A Scientific Advisory Committee, made up of leading experts from the finest universities and medical institutions, oversees the grant application and research processes. In addition, the Foundation's efforts are extended to major cities and countries through the dedication of volunteer leaders of PKD Chapters.
Contact people:
Address:
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5904 S 1075 E
South Ogden, UT 84405
(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.pkdcure.org
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