Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) doesn’t just affect those who are diagnosed. Parents, care partners, friends, and family members also feel the impact of this disease in profound ways.
Help us increase research funding, expand care services and education, and broaden local support to ensure everyone impacted by PKD has what they need to navigate this disease.
Dylan Bova: ADPKD Patient
Because of a spontaneous mutation, Dylan is the only member of his family with PKD. His diagnosis at age 23 permanently altered the way his family lives their lives. Together, they’ve changed their lifestyles to support and encourage Dylan, helping him be more in control of his future. Hearing he may need a transplant in the future was hard, but knowing the PKD Foundation is driving research to find a cure provides him and his family comfort.
“Through the PKD Foundation, I’ve been really motivated by meeting people who also struggle with PKD. I find it inspiring how people who deal with this are not backing down and letting it control them. Instead, they are doing their part in combating the disease to ensure that they, along with everyone else who comes after them, will be okay.”
This National Kidney Month let’s take the next step toward ending PKD together—for every life touched by this disease.
Joseph Reni: ARPKD Parent
When your child is diagnosed with a rare genetic disease like ARPKD, things can feel overwhelming and scary. Joseph’s daughter, Thyme, was just four when her diagnosis turned their world upside down. Coming to terms with ARPKD took time, but with support from the PKD Foundation, the Reni family found a sense of community, resources, and hope for a cure.
“It can feel frustrating and helpless at times. The first real hope I found came from calling the PKD Foundation. They connected me with Dr. Dell; speaking with her gave us confidence and clarity in navigating this diagnosis. I also joined the Foundation’s Facebook group and asked for advice. The response was overwhelming. Parents shared stories of kids thriving and even adult ARPKD patients were doing well. That was a turning point for me.”
Justine Forristall-Rodri: ADPKD Care Partner and Volunteer
Justine doesn’t have PKD, but her husband, Jared, does. This disease has made life unpredictable, affecting everything from diet and travel to family planning. Seven months before their wedding, Jared suffered a heart attack; a complication of his ADPKD. Justine strives to be a supportive partner to Jared and to the entire PKD community.
“I have worked in healthcare for 19 years. I'd heard of PKD, and conceptually understood what the disease was, but it wasn’t until I met my husband and his family in 2021 that I really understood. It is shocking how uninformed people in healthcare are about PKD. This is what motivates me to support the PKD Foundation. I want to be an advocate for those living with this disease and their loved ones.”