WALK FOR PKD

Why We Walk

“I walk to hopefully find a cure so my four children, if they should be diagnosed with PKD, will not suffer through what I am going through. I walk for a little girl in Nevada that I found on line that has PKD. This little girl Dylin, is what gave me the strength to continue to fight. Her mother through e-mails informed me about PKD walks and this year 2007 I walked my first walk. I will continue to walk every year I am able, untill we find a cure for everyone with PKD."
- Nancy Marsh, Boston Walk for PKD

“I walk for my Mother who lost her life to PKD. I also walk for my sister who currently has PKD. For many of my cousins who have/had PKD. For my Aunts, Uncles and Grandfather who had PKD. This is the first year for the walk in Michigan City. My cousin organized the walk and also has PKD as well as her sister."
- Gina Walker, Michigan City Walk for PKD

"Because I have PKD since I was 7 years old. I am starting to learn about PKD through my family history I am 4th generations of PKD. Also I am deaf and interesting to knowledge of those disease. I am 41 years old. But I am not starting to have dialysis or transplant yet until doctor let me know when it's time to be serious for me. Today it's my first time to join Phoenix PKD walk for cure. It's been pleasure for me to walk and meet new friends and have fun too. I hope people understand how serious PKD are. I hope they find cure for those people who have more serious than I am and I am keeping positive to look forward those illness. Thank you for keep support those PKD people."
- Brian Murray, Phoenix Walk for PKD

“I walk to honor my colleague and friend, Michael, who suffered from PKD. I walk for myself for being his kidney donor. I walk for my coworkers and friends who walk with me to raise awareness and remember Michael, who is sorely missed."
- Jennifer Guenther, Vermont Walk for PKD

“I walk for PKD for Hannah Collins. She was only 21 hours old when she received her wings and became a beautiful little angel in heaven. She is now looking down at her mommy, daddy, brother and sister while God is holding her hand and helping her take her 1st new steps. I walk so parents do have HOPE and I will walk until a cure is found. I walk for PKD because I love my granddaughter and wish I could hold her in my arms and hear her cry and giggle. I love you Hannah."
- Grandma and Grandpa Thomas, Indianapolis Walk for PKD

“I walk for my best friend, Gaby, who is like a sister to me. I walk to find a cure...this is how I feel I can help her and others with this disease!"
- Norma Castrejon, Chicago Walk for PKD

“I walk for my husband whose family has suffered too many deaths because of PKD. I walk for my children who should not have to deal with this disease, either by the loss of their father or their own possible diagnosis. I walk for myself hoping that I won't have to lose my husband or any of my children to PKD."
- Lorena Brown, York Walk for PKD

“I will walk this year for my husband, David and my son Luke as well as my father-in-law, Mike, brother-in-law, Chanch and sister-in-law, Melissa. I walk so that my husband and son may not have to go through what my father in law has been through. I walk so that my sons children will not have to experience PKD. I am walking, and praying for a cure."
- Pam Edwards, Atlanta Walk for PKD

“I walk for my boyfriend, Mike, who has PKD. I also walk in honor of his mother, Helene, a PKRS Chapter coordinator in Toronto for over a decade, who lost her brief battle with Cancer early this year."
- Karina Correa, Central Ohio Walk for PKD

“I am going to walk for PKD this year for the first time. I feel that I need to walk to stop this disease because my father has suffered from it for 13 years. Since PKD is genetic I may have it too. So I want to stop this terrible disease so no one -- and I mean no one -- has to suffer from PKD!"
- Heather Catley, Pittsburgh Walk for PKD

“I walk for the mother I lost at the age of 4, I walk for the son who waits for a new kidney, I walk in thanks for the gift of life I received, I walk for a cure-NOW!"
- Lorraine Fossaceca, Northeast Ohio Walk for PKD

“I am walking for my mom, and she is walking for me. She was diagnosed 2 years ago, and I was diagnosed 1 year ago. And we are also walking for all the others who have been affected by PKD."
- Cindy Draper, Southlake, TX, Walk for PKD

“I walk for many reasons. My first reason is in loving memory of my mother and my oldest brother. They both suffered with PKD and lost their lives in 1996 and 2001. Second, I walk for myself for which I suffer from PKD and went on dialysis 2 years ago at the age of 34. But most of all, I walk for my beautiful children. So that they may never have to endure this disease and that there be a cure for them and my future grandchildren. And last, I walk for all others that have to endure this terrible disease. My heart and prayers go out to everyone that suffers from PKD. May God bless us all by finding a cure for PKD!!!!"
- Bambi Justice, Nashville Walk for PKD

“I walk for a cure for myself, my son, Jamie 38, in memory of my son Corey who we had 21 yrs and my son Casey 31 and in hopes that it misses my grandchildren, if it doesnt, I hope by then we have found a cure for everyone and no more dialysis or transplants for the over 12.5 million who suffer from this diease. I had a transplant in 2002 and have never had a single problem thanks to my donor Connie RIP. But we need a cure."
- Shirley Burns, Phoenix Walk for PKD

“I walk in memory of my daughter, Caroline. We only got to have her for 26 hours before she left us. We walk in hope that no other family will have to lose a family member to PKD."
- Courtney Rehmer, St. Louis Walk for PKD

“I walk for a beautiful little girl. She is only two and a half. I am hopeful that a cure can be found for her. I am hopeful that a cure will make it so that her children are not affected by this disease. It pains me in knowing that she will be going through what I have gone through, and what I have yet to go through. I walk for my daughter, my perfect angel, Madeline."
- Susan Sawyer, Chicago Walk for PKD

"My husband, Gary, and children, Brad (38) and Dawn (36) have PKD. Gary had a successful transplant in 2004. His brother and sister both have PKD, as did his mother and grandmother. We have 4 grandsons, and I hope they will benefit from our Walking for a Cure for PKD!!!"
- Lucy Vesterby, Phoenix Walk for PKD

“I can't sit still when there is something I can do to raise funds for PKD research. My husband and his brothers have PKD. Their father had PKD. Their aunt has PKD. And the legacy goes on. It is time to find a cure. I am a scientist and I know what it takes to run a research program. It takes good ideas, dedication and dollars. With research a cure will be found. And then the next generations in our family and so many others will have other causes."
- Linda Schaffner, Virginia Beach Walk for PKD

“I walk in memory of my beloved mother who passed away In January of 2000 because of this terrible disease. I also walk for my sister who also carries the disease. I walk for those people affected with PKD and ARPKD who are too sick to walk. I walk because I know in my heart there is a treatment out there waiting to be found. A cure is our finish line and we can do it together!"
- Silvia Diaz

“I walk for my Dad who had PKD and his dad and 2 brothers as well. I walk for 3 siblings who also have PKD. My uncle received a kidney transplant yesterday from his brother and both are doing great. Praise God. . That is why I walk."
- Julie Smith

“I Walk to honor my family members who have died from PKD or PLD. To raise funds for research - to find a cure. To put an end to all of this. Plus, to be around others who PKD/PLD for support and frienship."
- Jeffrey Isaacs, Jersey City Walk for PKD

“I will be walking in memory of my first son Caden who was with us for 4 days before going to be with the Lord. The Walk falls on the weekend before his birthday which will always give us a wonderful way to celebrate. I will also be walking for myself, I am the only one in my family with PKD, and I want to be around for my husband and son for many years to come."
- Niki Cummins, Peoria, IL, Walk for PKD

“I walk to help support my Dad and two of my uncles who have been lucky enough to receive transplants and are currently living with PKD. I walk to support one of my cousins who was recently diagnosed with the disease. I also walk to support everyone else who suffers from or knows someone living with this disease. I hope my efforts and support will bring us closer to finding a cure."
- Shannon Prigge, Chicago Walk for PKD

“I walk for my family. My mother is one of six, and she and two of her siblings. It has been passed on to the next generation. I am the only child in my family that does not have PKD. I walk to show support. I know the effects that PKD has."
- Whitney Grimm, Salt Lake City Walk for PKD

"My family, friends, and I are walking in memory of my daughter, Chloe. My 2 healthy daughters will be walking to remember their big sister. Chloe was born 9/14/02 with ARPKD and died 9/15/02. This year the walk ironically falls on the fifth anniversary of losing her, making this year a quite emotional one for us. We are also walking in hopes that any of our future children will never have to endure this horrible disease."
- Kelly Fujii, Chicago Walk for PKD

"We walk for our 18 year old daughter who was diagnosed at eight months old with PKD. She had little or no problems until two years ago. Since then she has suffered horrible with this awful disease. My fear is that if research does not soon find a treatment or cure for this disease. I will lose my precious child to PKD. God Bless all of you who walk and Thank you to the PKD Foundation for all you do."
- Deb Silbernagel, Twin Cities Walk for PKD

“I walk for my daughter Jin Ai. We added Ai Ai to our family on December 11, 2006. She is from Tianjin, China. Ai Ai is 7 years old. We were given her diagnosis of ARPKD in February of 2007. This is very new to us and we are trying to figure out where to begin. So that is why I am going to walk. I am just going to put one foot in front of the other and walk beside Ai Ai......walk with her through the next step. We love Ai Ai so much and now she is not alone. She has a family that will love her forever and take care of her. We love you Ai Ai and Welcome to America!"
- Aimee Kohanski, Nashville Walk for PKD

“I am walking to celebrate the life of my grandmother. She passed away July 2002, she continued to live her life fully even after starting dailysis and changing many things in my life. I hope to also honor my grandfather who loved and supported my grandmother through this disease."
- Sarah Walsh, Chicago Walk for PKD

“I walk to find a cure and support everyone who battles this disease including myself and family."
- Mandy Bartels, Chicago Walk for PKD

“I participated in the Walk for PKD for my husband. He was diagnosed with PKD in 1997 and was fine until two years ago. He declined quickly and we went through two rough years. After a nephrectomy he is doing well now, but who knows how long until the disease destroys his remaining kidney. My husband is 39 years old, and his father died by the age of 42 from PKD. Word has to get out to everyone about PKD and a cure has to be found. Thank God for the PKD Foundation and the work they do. We need more awareness and definitely more organ donors."
- Andrea Johnson, Philadelphia Walk for PKD

“I walk for the 13 members of my family that have been diagnosed with PKD. Especially for my 10 year old niece Taylor Ann Pratt, she was diagnosed at the age of 7. She is so beautiful and courageous she is truly an inspiration."
- Alyson Pratt, Orlando Walk for PKD

“I walk for PKD because my daughter and her dad have this disease and I would love to see a cure found for them and others."
- Shelley Nevarez, Phoenix Walk for PKD

“I walk for PKD because for the first 43 years of my life, even though I had worked in the medical field for 15 years, I had never heard of PKD. In Oct. of 2006 I suffered a cerebral aneurysm rupture which I fortunately was lucky enough to survive. During my recovery it was discovered that I also had PKD which as we all know has links to aneurysms. I walk to help bring attention to this disease and to raise money for the cure knowing that my children also have a 50% chance of also having PKD."
- John Burns, Pittsburgh Walk for PKD

"For every generation of my family who has suffered from the effects of PKD, including myself. Until there is a cure... I will continue to walk."
- Jared Cunningham, Central Ohio Walk for PKD

"To raise funds for research in hopes of finding a cure for this disease that has affected so many of my family members, including me."
- Nell Gustavason, Birmingham Walk for PKD

“I walk for my grandfather who had PKD, I walk for my father who has PKD and will soon get a transplant, I walk for my uncle who also had PKD. I walk for my brother, cousins and myself, as we may have PKD. I walk for the people in my family who don't have PKD but who have loved and supported those who do. I walk for anyone this has affected. I walk for a cure."
- Rebecca Deaton, Cincinnati-Dayton Walk for PKD

“I walk for my younger brother Craig who is currently on dialysis and hoping to receive a kidney donor from a friend this October. I walk for my Father Bob who died 4 yrs ago after battling PKD for 30 yrs. I walk for myself as I have advanced polycystic liver involvement from PKD. I walk for my 3 children who all have shown to have multiple cysts on their kidneys. I walk for my nieces and nephews who are yet to know if they will inherit PKD."
- Heather Almon, Lake Washington Walk for PKD

“I am a high school senior, 17 years old, and have ARPKD. At age 10 I received a kidney from my Dad. I am currently anticipating another kidney transplant and have potential donors being tested. I walk in hope of a cure for both ARPKD and PKD. A cure is our finish line and together we can make a difference."
- Talia Patton, Des Moines Walk for PKD

“I walk to find a cure for my 12 year old son, Joey, who was recently diagnosed, and who lost his father to PKD when he just turned 3 years old."
- Kelly Gilbert, Seattle Walk for PKD

"For my family. My husband died 2 years ago from complications of PKD. My daughter and my son also have PKD as well and my infant grandson. For the past 3 years,my daughter has formed a team to walk in memory of my husband "Larry's Team", and for all the family members with PKD. Last year we were the largest team at the Providence, RI PKD Walk."
- Lorraine Martin, Rhode Island Walk for PKD

“I Walk to remember my father and my aunt, both of whom suffered and passed away from this most devastating disease. I Walk so no other children will have to lose their parents and family members before their time. Most importantly, I Walk to keep alive the memories of these two amazing individuals."
- Alexandra Coglianese, Jersey City Walk for PKD

"My wife has PKD and I have 3 sons who have each a 50% chance of having the disease. I watched my wife suffer the loss of her mother to PKD and know that she is thinking about her future everyday. I run the 5K with my sons every year to help find a cure or better treatment than dialysis for this disease."
- Chris Macie, Atlanta Walk for PKD

“I am walking to show my children and grandchildren that you just can not sit around and take what is handed to you! I walk to raise awareness and contribute towards funding for a cure. PKD can kick my butt, God is gracious with just enough energy to keep me going - I hope for a cure so others will not have to live, laugh, and struggle with this disease!"
- Kelly Taylor, Nashville Walk for PKD

“I especially walk for my daughter who has PKD. I also walk for anyone else that has PKD and to bring awareness and donations so we can find a cure!"
- Donna Saltzman, St. Louis Walk for PKD

“I walk in honor of my grandmother who died of the disease when she was 58. I walk for brother, sister, and myself who all have the disease."
- Jill Marler, Salt Lake City Walk for PKD

“I am walking for my beautiful niece, Addison Avery, who only lived 3 days due to ARPKD. I walk in hopes to find a cure so that no other person has to go through what my niece went through."
- Devon Frisch, Detroit Walk for PKD

“I Walk for PKD because I have the disease. I want to find a cure so others won't have to go through what I am going through right now."
- Peggy Wrench, Peoria Walk for PKD

“I walk for my great-grandfather who died at age 52 from PKD, for my grandmother who died in her sixties, for my mother who I pray for every day will receive a kidney, my Aunt Donna, my sister, and for myself so something will be found to cure or treat PKD. Lastly I walk for my daughter in hopes that she doesn't carry the gene and if she does I walk for a cure."
- Patty Rowley, Delaware Walk for PKD

“I walk because I can, I walk for all those who can not walk for themselves and for those who are walking for me."
- Melissa Pelfry, Virtual Walk for PKD

“I walk for PKD to support all of those afflicted by this disease. I also walk to support those who effortlessly work at the PKD Foundation year round to provide support for everyone afflicted with this disease. I walk to show my belief that everyone can achieve great things together through small measures!"
- Cate Starr, Kansas City Walk for PKD

"This disease has affected so many relatives past and present. My oldest sister Ms. Jo Ann (Johnson) Logue suffered long and hard with this. Now just recently I have lost another sister. Her kidneys shut down in April, and with other complications she passed away August 26th, of this year. I am new at this, but with the help of family and friend, I am joining the fight against PKD!"
- Jerri Emerson, Tucson Walk for PKD

"In memory of my brother, father, grandmother, great-aunt, and great-grandfather. In honor of myself and my second cousin. Most importantly, because of my fervent hope for a cure of this terrible disease that has affected so many members of my family and other families!"
- Kimberly Gamble, Austin Walk for PKD

“I walk for my mom who was diagnosed 2 years ago with PKD, and I walk in memory of my Grandpa and his two brothers who have all passed away due to complications of PKD. I walk for anyone who has been affected by PKD, including the families of those diagnosed. I walk to help support finding a cure."
- Karen Schneider, Phoenix Walk for PKD

“I am walking for my 11-year-old son Aidan who was diagnosed with PKD at birth. I walk and ask others to walk with me to find a cure so that Aidan and all those that suffer from the disease can someday have the cure they deserve. I want Aidan to grow up with the confidence that he can live a long and fulfilling PKD-free life."
- Lori Taylor, Layton Walk for PKD

“I walk for my husband who had a kidney transplant 11 years ago after 4 years on dialysis. I walk for my two daughters who have PKD, and I have already seen the effect it has on their lives. I walk for my brother-in-law and mother-in-law who died from complications of PKD. I walk for my sister-in-law and niece who have PKD. I walk for my grandchildren whom I hope will not have to worry about PKD. I walk for EVERYONE who has PKD or has a loved one with this awful disease."
- Sandy Grossman, Bedford Hills Walk for PKD

“I am walking for the PKD Foundation because my paternal grandmother and my father both passed away with PKD. They didn't know as much then as they do now and that's because of funding to do research. I also have been diagnosed with it along with my daughter and two brothers. One brother has just recently went on dialysis and is getting close to getting on the transplant list. I would love to see a cure so my grandchildren wouldn't have to deal with this."
- Peggy Yount, St. Louis Walk for PKD

"The 2007 walk will be my first PKD walk. I lost my dad in 2006 to PKD. My family and I are walking this year in memory of my father, Ron McGuire, and to raise money for research for the PFD Foundation."
- Michelle Julian, Peoria Walk for PKD

"My family and I have been 'Walking for a Cure' for PKD for the past 6 years. This year will be our 7th year in a row. We have been walking since I was diagnosed with PKD. My father had PKD and died of a heart attack in 1976. We never heard of Polycystic Kidney Disease until we saw it on his autopsy report. I have two older brothers, both have been diagnosed with PKD. I also have a niece with the disease. Our first 3 walks were with a Chapter in Philadelphia. We have been members of the York, PA Chapter since it was formed. We will continue to Walk for a Cure as long as we are physically able. We walk to raise money to help with research to find a cure. We have met some of the nicest and most supportive people since I was diagnosed. We walk because we care."
- Michelle Areford, York Walk for PKD

“I am walking for my daughter, Alika. My father passed in 2001 from kidney failure and my brother and I both have PKD. I walk for my daughter so that if she has PKD she will have a cure. I walk for my father who for 10 years suffered in pain. I walk for hope,for strength and for everyone who has PKD. I walk because I have faith!"
- Jennifer Herrera, Los Angeles Walk for PKD

“I walk because PKD scares me. I want to be able to live a long life -- there are so many things I haven't done. And I want my daughter to have hope that if she has PKD she will be able to receive treatment."
- Vicki O'Halloran, Boston Walk for PKD

“I will be walking with my cousin. She and I both lost our moms to PKD and we both have it, as well as our children. I also lost my brother (51) to PKD. So we walk in honor of our loved ones, those who have passed on and for our children who are the future and fighting for a cure!"
- Julie Ohme, Peoria Walk for PKD

“I walk because I want to see a cure for my daughter and granddaughters and their children. I have seen my father suffer and die from PKD. I am now at end stage renal failure. I have hope that with God's help the research will find a cure so that PKD kidneys will not continue to make cysts and lose function. Think how many lives and families this would affect, giving hope for a normal and healthy life!"
- Carol Boeing, Nashville Walk for PKD

“I walk for myself, my father and a cousin who was just dignosed with PKD. I also walk in hopes that they find a cure in the near future. I will walk with both of my sisters."
- Beth Olson, Detroit Walk for PKD

“I walk because when I first learned that my twins and husband have PKD, I was told there was 'nothing I could do' except treat the symptoms. I walk in hopes of a cure BEFORE they ever have symptoms at all!"
- Nancy Tracz, Northeast Ohio Walk for PKD

“I walk to honor my donor/my cousin... Theresa for giving me this precious gift and for my children whom I hope won't have to deal with the effects of this disease."
- Terri Clark, Kansas City Walk for PKD

"My mother was first diagnosed with PKD back in 1970 and was on dialysis for 12 years before she passed away. PKD was passsed on to my brother (he passed away in 2000) and me. I do the PKD walk for three reasons: one in the memory of my mother, two in the memory my brother and three for all of the ones on dialysis with PKD and are unable to do the walk."
- Ken Shutt, Kansas City Walk for PKD

“I am walking this September for PKD in honor of my mother, Valerie Goehler. She has been fighting with this disease since her early 30s. I have seen also my grandfather (mom's dad) and my great aunt pass on from this terrible disease. There are also others in my family living with PKD. My mom's brother. We need to find a cure so my family and no one else's has to see their loved ones suffer from PKD."
- Karly Schwalbach, Green Bay Walk for PKD

“I am coordinating the Seattle Walk for PKD in memory of my grandfather who died from complications from PKD. For my mother, uncle, sister and cousin who have PKD. For my children, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews and myself who I hope don't get PKD. Ultimately, I am coordinating the Seattle Walk for PKD to find a cure so no one has to endure this disease. Everyone has a friend!"
- Tara Johnson, Seattle Walk for PKD

“I walk for my dad, who received a transplant in March of 2006, for my brother, who has been diagnosed, and for myself, as I also have the disease. Additionally, I walk for my son and my nieces and nephews, and all children of the future, in hopes of raising more money for research into a treatment, and ultimately a cure, for PKD so they will hopefully not have to suffer the effects of this disease."
- Terri Simon, Phoenix Walk for PKD

"My dad and youngest sister were diagnosed in 1978. My other sister was diagnosed in 1982. Our dad passed away due to complications of his kidney transplant in 1981. My youngest sister is now 37 and will have to have a transplant by the end of the year. Our cousin is the donor. I have not participated in a walk and am hoping there is one near my home. I walk for my family and others like ours that have been hit with this disease."
- Heidi Livermore, Omaha Walk for PKD

“I walk for my daughter, for my husband, for my mother-in-law, for my sister-in-law, for my brother-in-law, for my husband's aunt and for his great aunt, and for so many of his cousins and their children, and for his grandmother and great-grandfather. I walk to be able to break this long chain of pain and suffering. I walk to change the future of this disease so my nine-year-old daughter will not have to accept the treatment of only dialysis or a transplant. I walk so my husband and I can grow old together and not worry for our grandchildren. I walk so I can tell people about PKD, I walk for ALL of those affected by PKD, I walk for hope!"
- Carri Pratt, Memphis Walk for PKD

“I walk in memory of my son and daughter. They were just babies when they died from ARPKD, and I walk so that research can find a cure and other families will not have to go through the pain of losing an infant or anyone with this disease."
- Katie Capita, St. Louis Walk for PKD

“I made a promise to my sister, my donor, my hero, Suzanne, on October 19, 2004 that I would work to find a cure for this disease. This disease that took the lives of my aunts and uncles. This disease that led to my mother's transplant, my other sister's transplant and my own transplant. Suzanne will walk in Minneapolis with her team, Ruff on Kidneys, her daughter, Colette & my other sister, Janice will walk in Atlanta with her team, Ruff on Kidneys-Southern Style, and I will walk with our dad and my team, JoAnn's Kidney Beans. We walk as a family, even though we are miles apart -- it feels as though we're side by side!"
- JoAnn Villanueva, Chicago Walk for PKD

"For the 5,900 Iowans affected by the disease, including my two-year-old son, Andy. So that the promising reseaerch can continue; so his transplant is further in the future."
- Becky Decker, Des Moines Walk for PKD

“I walk for PKD because it has affected my family and other families for far too long. My grandfather had it. My father and two of his brothers had it ... and now I have it. Advances need to be made to protect future generations."
- Tiffany Holland, Shreveport Walk for PKD

"PKD has hit my family very hard. My mother and grandmother passed away from PKD. My sister was diagnosed with in when she was in her 30s and had a transplant in February 2006. In June 2006, I went into kidney failure and was hospitalized for five days at which time I was diagnosed with PKD and was immediately put on dialysis. My niece was also diagnosed with PKD when she was 14 and is doing great. Now I'm waiting for a transplant but will be walking to help push toward a cure. Good luck to all the walkers and thank you for your love and support."
- Kathy Strle, Chicago Walk for PKD

"We walk for our 1-year-old daughter, Eva Maria, who has PKD and we are thankful she will walk with us! We walk for all those who are not able to walk for themselves!"
- Karen and Uwe Hoffmann, Milwaukee Walk for PKD

“I walk or will walk if I am strong enough. I walk for a cure, and for my children who all have this terrible, debilitating disease. They are all reaching the age where it started to affect me. I have grandchildren now. I walk so they will never have to know what PKD can do."
- Sheila Bondy, Toledo Walk for PKD

“I walk for my 15-year-old niece, Jenna. I walk so that she may see them find a cure for PKD in her lifetime. I walk for all my mother's family who have PKD and have fought for their lives. I walk for all those who don't know they have PKD, but think they might and are afraid to get tested. I walk for life."
- Nicole Coppinger, Clare, IA

"My sister Kristin Cenname and her daughter Dylin both deal with PKD. Dylin is a STRONG young lady. At such a young age of 3 she keeps a smile on our faces as she fights this illness."
- Stacy Stauffer, Las Vegas Walk for PKD

“I walk for PKD in memory of my husband Jim, who was diagnosed in 1963, and we didn't even know what the disease was. There was little or no information about it, other than there was no cure and he would probably die by 40. He beat those odds and died in 1996. Five of our children have this disease, one has had a transplant, and the other four are doing well. Last year we took part in the first-ever walk in Wilmington, and we will be participating again this year so that this disease will be defeated and thousands of families will no longer have to face the loss of loved ones. I walk with my family for the cure!"
- Barbara Malone, Wilmington, DE Walk for PKD

"My family and I will Walk for PKD because so many of us have this disease, and it is so important to find a cure so future generations will not have to suffer the effects. Kidney failure is life-threatening. The only hope to prolong life is dialysis or a kidney transplant. We believe that with enough financial support, research will find a cure."
- Dorcella Sunday, Fredericksburg, TX

"My daughter, Holly MacQuarrie, has PKD and we are walking for her and with her."
- Vicki Murray, Ontario Walk for PKD

“I walk for the hope that the researchers will find a cure or better treatment than dialysis or transplant. I walk so that people in the future do not have to suffer as we do now."
- Reita Rossett, Shreveport Walk for PKD

"In 1998, I had a kidney transplant from the University of Maryland Medical Center when my kidneys failed because of polysystic kidney disease. My husband, Greg, gave me one of his kidneys. I am walking for my two children, Mary Kelly (27), and Michael (22) who have polycystic kidney disease."
- Ann Marie Mack, Washington, D.C. Walk for PKD

“I walk because my father's family is greatly affected by the disease. We have slowly found out that many of our family members, including myself, have the kidney disease. I want to find a cure and maybe drug therapy that will prevent and slow the cysts from developing. Thats the day when our smiles will have real meaning!"
- Ellie Hernandez, Austin Walk for PKD

“I walk for the support of all the PKD."
- Wang Hong De, Shanghai

"My cysts are very large and painful. I did not know I had PKD until I was in my 30s and my younger sister also has PKD. I walk because my sister and I both have children and we don't know if they have PKD and, if they do, I walk to make a difference for them, their children, and everyone else."
- Deborah Rau, San Antonio Walk for PKD

“I walk to raise awareness. I walk to show support. But mostly I walk to make certain that my children, and the children of millions of others worldwid, will be free from the ill effects of this disease as soon as possible."
- Karyn Waxman, Memphis Walk for PKD

“I walk for my 13-year-old son, Nick. We discovered he has PKD through a football injury. He is the only one in the family who has PKD. The doctors feel that his own gene mutated and now he has a 50 percent chance of passing it along to his children. We hope by the time he is old enough to have children that there will be a cure."
- Debbi Tuttle, Orlando Walk for PKD

“I walk in memory of my dad who died four years ago from PKD, and in hope that they will find a cure for all of us who suffer from kidney disease."
- Joy White

“I walk for my baby girl Alaina D. Jackson, who suffered from autosomal PKD in utero. Her dad and I were fortunate to spend one day with her and then she passed away. We both were blessed enough to have a healthy baby boy born August 26, 2002. I would like a cure to be developed because I don't want anyone to go through what her dad and I went through. No parent should ever have to bury their child."
- Christina Wright, Chicago Walk for PKD

"My sister and I were diagnosed with PKD in 2004. This will be our second year to participate in Tulsa's Walk for PKD. I'm walking in memory of Carl Lynes, a long-time employee of my husband's family business in Woodward, Oklahoma. He died from PKD complications in 2006."
- Elise Solloway, Tulsa Walk for PKD

“I will walk because of the man that came into my life four years ago, the man that I will be spending the rest of my life with. He has PKD; the doctors told us in December 2006 that probably within a year he will be on dialysis and will be placed on the transplant list."
- Kim Thompson

“I will walk to raise awareness and to help find a cure for PKD. My brother and I both have PKD and my son could have it. I will also walk in honor and in memory of my mother, Beverly Ann Benu, who also had PKD. It is a good feeling to have after the walk to know that you played a small role in trying to help find a cure."
- Catherine Hickey

“I walk for my son to prove to him that I will always be there to support him in his battle against ADPKD."
- Tracy Tetrick, Seattle Walk for PKD

"PKD claimed the life of my grandfather, my mother and my brother this July. I have it. My daughter has it. I have two grandchildren and pray they don't have it."
- Phillip Milton, Austin Walk for PKD

“I walk for my grandson, Ethan. We were told he would never be born alive due to having ARPKD/CHF. He will be nine months old on August 15. He has had a tough way to go … He is currently waiting for a kidney and liver transplant. He is a very happy baby. You would never believe anything is wrong with him if you didn't see all the tubes. This is why I walk."
- Debra DeBrosse, Toledo Walk for PKD

"Before, I walked in memory of my father and to fight PKD so that my son would not have to suffer. Now, I walk for the many, many people and families I have met that are affected by PKD, including my own. I walk for my PKD Family."
- Karen Ungerman, Salt Lake City Walk for PKD

"… I am passionate about getting the word out about PKD and making a difference. It is mind-boggling how many people it affects and how little people know about our life-threatening genetic disease. It benefits me personally in knowing that I have positively impacted others who are directly affected by PKD. The positive energy created truly is contagious!"
- Dean Benigno, Phoenix Walk for PKD

“I participate in the walk for PKD not just to raise funds and awareness to find the cure, but to do my part in making a difference … The fight for PKD makes me feel wonderful knowing that I am giving very little time but reaping the reward of working toward helping save lives, especially my loved ones!"
- Carolyn Smith, Sacramento Walk for PKD

“I participate in the fight against PKD for my children who may have it .... Coordinating the walk and providing support to others like myself with PKD help me feel that I am doing something worthwhile rather than sitting and waiting."
- Maria Carstensen, San Antonio Walk for PKD

Share Your "Why I Walk" Personal Story!

A Special Thanks to our National Sponsor!

Email walkforpkd@pkdcure.org to find out how you can become a national, regional or local sponsor of the Walk for PKD today!