News

2009 National Convention on PKD Update

Dear Fellow PKD Foundation Supporters,

Last week, our Board of Trustees met with the PKD Foundation’s staff leadership to assess the economic environment and plan for 2009 and beyond. The extraordinarily difficult economic situation has already affected the PKD Foundation – the end of 2008 brought a reduction in our revenues, and every prediction is that 2009 will also be a difficult year for non-profits. After careful consideration, the Board and staff unanimously agreed that we should take certain cost-cutting steps at this early point in the year in order to guarantee that we will be able to continue funding PKD research projects in 2009. We have built up a great deal of momentum in the research and scientific community over the last few yeas, and we want to insulate our research efforts from the recession as much as possible. Cost-cutting in other areas is one part of our plan to ensure that our research efforts go forward, although inevitably in a somewhat reduced way.

We are writing to let you know that, as one of our cost-saving steps, we have made the hard decision to cancel one of our two scheduled National Conventions on PKD in 2009. 

As you know, we were planning to host conventions in two cities this year (Chicago and San Diego) rather than our traditional one city per year. In these times of financial hardship for so many Americans, and of cost-cutting for us and so many other organizations, it does not seem prudent to host both conventions in 2009.

Therefore, the convention schedule for San Diego is being cancelled. The Chicago convention, scheduled for June 26-28, 2009, will still take place.

It is our hope that you will be a part of this important experience – the largest gathering of PKD professionals and patients at any single event. Indeed, we ask that you make a special effort to attend this year. We know that many PKD families are feeling the effects of the recession on their own pocketbooks; we hope that by keeping the convention in the center of the country it will remain accessible to as many PKD families as possible in 2009.

This change, along with some other cost saving steps we are undertaking, will allow us to fund five additional research grants in 2009. We believe that this is in keeping with our mission and is a responsible step to take.

In addition, the PKD Foundation is dedicated to offering education through the new, successful webinars, including a presentation on kidney transplantation on March 17 at 8pm ET by renowned transplant surgeon, Dr. Robert Montgomery of Johns Hopkins. Future 2009 topics will include ARPKD, a research update and a session on pain management. If you haven’t joined the 1,500 others who have already experienced a webinar, we encourage you to sign up for these informative, fun and free sessions. You can learn more about the webinars by clicking here.

Our new social networking site - Hope Square - is another way for our constituents to stay in touch and give support in a positive environment. You can talk with friends, share stories and learn about others’ experiences.  There are currently more than 550 active members, with more joining every day. Visit www.hopesquare.org   to explore this PKD community for yourself.

Additionally, our 55 local Chapters remain a vital and vibrant resource, close to home. Chapters have all sorts of events planned of 2009, from educational seminars, to potluck dinners, golf tournaments, to motorcycle rides. Click here to find a Chapter near you.

Finally, the 2009 Walk for PKD will take place this September - another local chance to get involved and make a difference. Especially this year, we hope you will consider joining the Walk for PKD and raising donations from your friends, family and community. This is one of our largest fundraising events each year, and in 2009 we are working to make it our best Walk ever. If you haven’t been to a Walk for PKD fundraiser before, this is the year to start. Click here to learn more about the Walk and see what’s planned for 2009.

In short, despite economic realities, the PKD Foundation continues to be the premiere resource for families impacted by PKD, as well as the driving force in scientific research on PKD. 

We appreciate your unwavering support as the PKD Foundation moves into 2009 and beyond.

Sincerely,

Scott Peppet                                     Dan Larson
Chair-Board of Trustees                      President/CEO
PKD Foundation                                PKD Foundation