PKD Foundation Honors Three Nephrologists Dedicated to Treating and Curing Children with Polycystic Kidney Disease
March 06, 2009 |
Research & Medicine , Inspiration , Philanthropy
(Kansas City, Mo) Friday, March 6, 2009 – The PKD Foundation, the world’s leader in catalyzing research and new therapies for those suffering from PKD, is once again teaming up with the International Society of Nephrology to honor three world renowned nephrologists with the 2009 Lillian Jean Kaplan International Prize for Advancement in the Understanding of Polycystic Kidney Disease.
Dr. Corinne Antignac (Necker Hospital, Paris, France); Dr. Lisa Guay-Woodford (University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA); and Dr. Friedhelm Hildebrandt (University of Michigan, USA) will each receive the Kaplan International PKD Prize of $50,000 cash – at the World Congress of Nephrology May 25, 2009 in Milan, Italy. The Kaplan PKD Prize is the largest for a medical sub-specialty.
For the first time –
- All those selected for this prestigious prize are pediatric nephrologists specializing in finding a treatment and cure for polycystic kidney diseases (PKD) in children and young adults, and
- Despite economic constraints affecting philanthropy worldwide, Thomas Kaplan (the benefactor behind this prize) increased his giving to a total of $150,000 in order to honor three doctors instead of two as before.
A panel of worldwide experts representing the PKD Foundation and the International Society of Nephrology, and chaired by renowned nephrologist Nathan Levin, made the Kaplan International PKD Prize selections.
“Mr. Kaplan’s visionary establishment of this prize – and his willingness to fund an extra award – especially during a major recession, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to PKD research,” said Dan Larson, PKD Foundation President and CEO. “Because of his wonderful generosity, we are pleased to honor three recipients this time – all remarkable physician-scientists who passionately strive to save the most vulnerable, fragile and precious of the world’s 12.5 million PKD patients.”
Tom Kaplan of New York, NY, established the Lillian Jean Kaplan International PKD Prize in 2002 in memory of his late mother, Lillian Jean Kaplan, who died prematurely from PKD complications. Through the award, Kaplan recognizes individuals whose seminal scientific work or sustained clinical contributions constitute tangible achievement toward improving the worldwide knowledge and treatment of PKD. Kaplan’s goal for this prize is to stimulate members of the global scientific and medical communities to increase or begin research leading to a PKD treatment and cure, generate momentum in the PKD field and produce positive public awareness about PKD.
PKD is one of the most common, life-threatening genetic diseases, affecting 600,000 Americans 12.5 million worldwide. PKD causes fluid-filled cysts to grow on the kidneys, eventually causing kidney failure. Dialysis and transplantation are the only treatments for kidney failure. There is no cure for PKD.
March is National Kidney Month, and March 12 is World Kidney Day – perfect opportunities to raise awareness of PKD and the need for research and patient education to find a treatment and cure. The PKD Foundation is the only organization fighting PKD through research, education, public awareness and advocacy. To learn more, visit www.pkdcure.org or contact Kara Cowie at 816-813-2350 or karac@pkdcure.org.