Give the Gift of a Healthier Future for Generations of PKD Families
Families impacted by PKD are counting on you. Your support funds groundbreaking PKD research and expands care resources, making strides toward a cure that will impact generations of PKD families.
Make Twice the Difference for Generations of PKD Families
Today, an estimated 600,000 people in the U.S. are living with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), and 1 in 25,000 children have autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). Every PKD family has a 50% chance of passing this highly genetic disease on to the next generation.
Thanks to the generosity of the PKD Foundation Board of Directors, Giving Tuesday donations will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $30,000.
This means your gift has twice the power to fund research, improve resources, and offer hope to families living with PKD now and in the future.
Today, you can make a difference that will ripple through generations of families affected by PKD. These are just a few of the families your gift will support.
Dorcella Sunday
A connection to polycystic kidney disease (PKD) runs deep in Dorcella Sunday’s family, tracing back to her grandfather. Dorcella was the only one among her three siblings diagnosed with PKD. Both of her sons and one of her granddaughters inherited this disease, making five generations of her family experience the effects of PKD.
“We know that the disease is going to continue,” she shared, “...It's hard when you think of young people having to carry that burden, a disease that has no cure.”
Despite challenges, Dorcella’s dedication to the PKD Foundation and its mission is unwavering. For two decades, her family has raised funds and volunteered for the San Antonio Community and Walk for PKD, bringing crucial awareness to the disease.
Her advice to those experiencing the same journey is simple: “Do your part, get out there, and spread the word.”
Gabriella Sage
High school senior Gabriella Sage first learned about polycystic kidney disease (PKD) when her mother was diagnosed a few years ago. She later discovered that PKD runs in her family, passed down from her grandmother to her mother and now her sister.
Last summer, Gabriella took action and joined the University of Kansas Medical Center’s PKD Summer Research Program. During her internship, she found the complexity of PKD research eye-opening.
“Seeing the dedication of the researchers and seeing them working together... that really motivated me,” Gabriella said.
Gabriella was heavily inspired by her mother’s resilience. Her family works to support and advocate for one another. She’s also seen this strength reflected within the PKD community. “There's so many groups and individuals coming together and supporting each other,” she said.
To those in similar situations, Gabriella reminds them, “stay hopeful and be resilient, your illness doesn’t define you.” She also encourages others to support the PKD Foundation. “It connects so many people...and helps with furthering research.”
Gabriella's determination to turn her family's challenges into a force for change embodies the hope and resilience that drive our mission.
Anne Bartels
For Anne Bartels, polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is more than a diagnosis—it's a family legacy. Passed down through four generations, PKD deeply affected her grandmother, mother, siblings, and now, her son.
"We don’t suffer alone in my family."
Over the years, Anne's family has leaned on each other, acting as both cheerleader and caregiver. Her brother, the only sibling not to inherit PKD, became a living kidney donor for their sister. And when Anne’s other brother (who did inherit the disease) needed a kidney, they all came together, creating a Facebook page to help find him a living donor.
Anne’s hope for the next generation rests on the ongoing efforts of the PKD Foundation. “I'm very hopeful that my son won't have to deal with the complications that we've had to deal with.”
Her advice to other families experiencing similar challenges? Educate yourself as much as you can, find a nephrologist who's going to help you through the process, and get involved with the PKD Foundation.
"We’re going to do whatever we can to help the PKD Foundation find a cure for future generations."
Change isn’t possible without you. Make twice the impact with your gift today. Together, we can turn today’s research into tomorrow’s treatments, and ultimately, a cure.