What is a Chapter?
Chapters are groups of volunteers – PKD patients, family members and friends just like you – who want to learn, connect and act in their own hometowns and, at times, on more national and global levels. In fact, Chapters have been forming to fight PKD since the 1980s, funding research, telling others about the disease and providing one another with help and hope – a true sense of community.
What do Chapters do?
Last year, Chapter volunteers in more than 60 cities across the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Switzerland raised nearly half-a-million dollars for PKD research and education and held countless events – some just for fun, others to raise awareness and money.
In addition to regular meetings, where Chapter members have the opportunity to share experiences and health updates, learn about new advancements in PKD research and medicine and meet others affected by the disease, Chapters also hold fun and exciting events such as motorcycle rides, wine tastings, pizza parties, educational seminars, trivia nights and casino nights.
Chapter Goals
- Support: Chapters hold regular meetings where patients can connect and share helping each other cope with the emotional aspects of a PKD diagnosis, while finding the local resources they need.
- Education: In addition to sharing tips on how to find a good local nephrologist or renal dietitian, Chapters also host educational seminars throughout the year, bringing in top medical experts to discuss nutrition, transplantation, insurance issues and other important topics.
- Awareness: Chapter volunteers also work hard to raise awareness of PKD in their communities, reaching out to the media, neighbors, co-workers and the general public to educate and empower. Increased awareness of PKD will help lead to additional funding for critical PKD research, education, advocacy and awareness.
- Advocacy: Chapters also reach out to local and federal lawmakers through the PKD Foundation’s advocacy program, working on a grassroots level to effect change and increase federal support of PKD research.
- Social Fundraising Events: It’s not all work. As part of a Chapter, you’ll also be invited to – and maybe help lead – fun social events aimed at raising funds for PKD Foundation programs. Popular Chapter events include golf tournaments, motorcycle rides, wine tastings, casino nights and more.
- In addition to local events, Chapters also support PKD Foundation national events, such as the Walk for PKD, Run for PKD, United on the Hill and the National Convention on PKD.