Share Your Family's Wish

Below are just a few of the many wishes families across the country have for the future of PKD. With your support, the PKD Foundation hopes to make these wishes come true by funding more than $4.8 million in PKD research in 2008!

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"My wish is for my husband and our son to never feel the pain and suffering my mother in law is living with every day! My wish is to grow old with my husband, and out live our son."
- Abigail Mancini, Schenectady, NY

"First off, I would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays. My wish is simple, I hope that a cure is found some day for this disease that affects so many. If not a cure, a way to suppress the disease so that so many can enjoy the life that has been given to them. AS I write this my Grandfather is dying from PKD. His older brother also had PKD and is no longer with us. My father is by his bedside and he to also has PKD. I ahve two sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins with the disease and in the end if no cure is found this disease can finish off many families. My prayers are with those who have PKD and I pray that science can find a cure."
- Mario Castillo, Luling, TX

"I wish that we find a cure soon. That is why I volunteer. I do not like to see me step-father suffer and I don't want to see my brother or his cousins suffer. Until then I wish happy times with loved ones and know that there are people out there fighting for those who do suffer. I also wish you all a very happy holiday season."
- Jamie Cieplinski, Lake Beach, IL

"In September 2005 my dad was diagnosed with PKD and by that time it had already moved into his liver, a couple of months later I was hospitalized for high blood pressure I was only 15, I went through months of testing and in January 2006 I was diagnosed with PKD too. I just recently went for a test to see if the disease has progressed and it did. I see how my dad suffers with it and I'm scared because I don't want it to happen to me, I'm now 17 and have had the disease for 2 years and, my family's wish is find a cure."
- Alyssa Mead, Bronson, FL

"My mother and aunt passed away at an early age as a result of PKD. I along with two younger brothers have the disease. My brother and I were blessed to have a kidney transplant from live donors. Unfortunately we are the exception and not the norm. Transplant is not the cure, but rather a tempory fix. My hope and wish as a volunteer is that our efforts and the generous support of those in our communities go toward finding a Cure for PKD."
- Frank Meeder, Cockeysville, MD

"I am 36 years old and found out I have the disease 4 years after a car accident. I have cysts on my kidneys and lungs. So far I haven't had any symptoms but with my diabetes and high blood pressure I feel I will have problems soon enough. I wish they will find a cure because I have 4 beautifuls daughters and I want to be around to see my girls grow up and my future grandchildren."
- Shonney Sweat, Charlotte, NC

"MY WISH IS THAT A CURE FOR PKD CAN BE FOUND IN THE NEAR FUTURE. I WATCHED MY FATHER DIE AT THE YOUNG AGE OF 45. I WAS 12 YEARS OLD WHEN HE DIED. I AM NOW 39 AND I HAVE PKD. THE DISEASE HAS NOT BOTHERED ME UNTIL 2 YEARS AGO. THE PAIN WAS TERRIBLE. I PUSHED MYSELF EVERY DAY. I SINCED HAD ONE KIDNEY REMOVED SO THAT I DON'T HAVE PAIN EVERY DAY. I CAN ONLY HOPE FOR A CURE SO THAT MY SON WILL NOT HAVE TO WATCH ME DIE LIKE I DID WITH MY FATHER. NEVER GIVE UP HOPE."
- Steve Johnson, Darby, PA

"I wish for an immediate cure for PKD, a disease that has ravaged my family. My paternal grandmother had PKD many years ago and suffered tremendously. She died at a very young age. She had 10 children and of those 5 had PKD/PLD. My Dad and his two sisters and two brothers passed at an early age. Now it is my generation and I have PKD/PlD as well as many of my cousins. Of my siblings which there were five: three of us have PKD. My oldest brother died at 51 yrs. of age. My older sister and I have PKD and are both close to going on dialysis. Of my three children only one of them has PKD and he is 40 yrs. My sister has three children and of those two of them have the disease. My brother who passed away has two children and one of them has PKD. It just goes on and on. I have done a virtual walk for the past three years with the Walk for PKD. The first year I collected $2500.00 and the last two years I have collected $3,000.00 each time. This money will go to research for solving this dreaded genetic disease."
- Linda Larson, San Lucas, CA

"My wish is that I never had to hear the words that told me that my daughter has PKD. I was devestated. You never know about a disease like this unless it happens to a person in your family. My daughter Cheyenne is fine at the moment. She has doctors appointments every 6 months to keep an eye on the cysts that are now starting to take over both her kidneys. I pray that those other families out there with loved ones who are suffering find peace and healing with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ. Without him I don't know how I could have held up! I pray for a cure along with the rest of you! Merry Christmas everyone."
- Janie

"My wish is to see a cure in a very near future. I'm 40 years old and PKD has been kind of gentle with me. I feel no pain, and have not suffer from any kind of simptoms. I really believe that the important thing to do is never give up and keep the hopes up high!"
- Mariano Martins, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

"I wish that my 31 year old son had not just been diagnosed with PKD - just as I was just diagnosed only 2 years ago. I had a kidney removed 26 years ago and was misdiagnosed as having multicystic kidney disease since there was no genetic testing at that time. So when I was diagnosed with PKD, it was a just horrible. I only hope that my younger son, age 26, will not have it when he's tested. Hopefully, if he doesn't have it, he may be able to give a kidney to his brother if they're a match. I also hope my older son has not passed on this awful disease to his two young children. My next wish is that more people would choose to become organ donors. Lastly, like everyone, I wish for a cure or, at the very least, a treatment to slow the growth of the cysts."
- Yvonne Stoneberg

"I wish for my big brother Andrew a long, happy and full life free of PKD suffering, and that no matter what he always feels the love and support of our family, this Christmas and the many more holidays to come."
- Anna Doughty

"I wish that a cure for PKD is found for: my wife and my both boys. I have been prayng to God everyday, everynight, every moment of my life I'm living distressed and very sad. I wish a cure is found for all PKD sufferers in Brazil and worldwide."
- Luiz, Sao Paulo, Brazil

"We need the 12.5 million people worldwide with PKD to each donate $1. That will give us almost 3 times a much money for research. $1 ...wow! We need to STOP the cysts from growing!!! How? That is my wish."
- Maureen DiPaolo, Hammonton, NJ

"I wish more than anything that my daughter Kyomi Linai was here with us today. I wish she didn't have to suffer the four months of her life. I wish I could have given her the life she deserved. I wish that no other mother or father has to watch this disease take their child from them. I wish for a cure!"
- Meghan

"I wish that a cure could be found for this disease. I suffer from very early stages of this disease. I would like to know that my children can be cured if they are ever diagnosed with it in the future."
- Rachel Byrge, Lake City, TN

"I wish there was a cure for PKD, but as I read and understand there isn't (yet)!! Thing is I recently fell deeply in love with a beautiful woman who suffers from this every day of her life -- which I hope and pray to become part of very soon. I always wonder why is it bad things happen to overly good innocent people. But my wish is that she and I can have and live a totally 'normal' life together for many years, and I pray God will touch her with His mighty healing hand and cure her of this disease. May God bless all those and the families of those who suffer from this dreadful disease around the world wide ... please always remember with God there is always hope."
- Jeffrey Paul, Johnson City, TN

"When my father was diagnosed with PKD 5 yrs ago, I was the one out of 4 children who stood up and said, "I'm going to save my father and donate a kidney." Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to have the disease. My brother's 8-year-old son was also diagnosed with PKD. I grew so angry that there was nothing anyone could do. I am scared to death of being on dialysis like my father and I pray every night that someone will find a cure for all of us out there. The thought of my 3 boys developing PKD in the future is just heartbreaking. I wish and wish upon a million stars that they find a cure."
- Stephani Garcia, Brazoria, TX

"I wish that myself, my husband and our family never had to know about this disease but we do as our son, Ben (who is 2.5 years old) has PKD. We now pray that a cure will be found for Ben and for all others - soon!"
- Faye McKenzie, Cork, Ireland

"I wish that my son never inherited this disease.My only true wish is that a cure soon be found! I hope I am teaching him how to take care of himself.Even though he does have this disease,I hope it doesn't keep him from living a full life."
- Michelle Harmon, Jackson, GA

"I wish that my little boy was not diagnosed with ARPKD. With no family history of PKD, it came as quite a shock. Although Corey-jay is happy and is doing well, that's what's important. He's 7 months old now."
- Jenna Louise, Stoke on Trent, United Kingdom

"My father died of PKD in Feb 2004. He went through 13 years of dialysis. We were all tested and there was no match. It was heart wrenching watching a strong, healthy man wither down to nothing. My hope is that there is a cure and none of my children have to suffer like my dad. Find a cure for all of our futures!"
- Justine, Grifton, NC

"My most heartfelt wish is for my little sister Melissa, who is only 8 years old, to be cured of this disease. She has yet to feel the symptoms, but the cysts are rapidly growing, and I hope that, through this foundation, some sort of treatment or cure will be found before she's in need of dialysis. I also wish that her father (who also has PKD) will stay strong and fight this horrid disease ... I love you both!!! End PKD!!!"
- Krystal, Compton, CA

"After watching my mother suffer and finally die from this horrible disease, my prayer is God will grant the research team who is working so deligently to find a cure for PKD the knowledge and wisdom to come up with a way to prevent this disease from taking more of our loved ones."
- Geri, Milpitas, CA

"I wish that my husband did not have to face this horrible disease. He just turned 40. His mother passed away at 51 from PKD. I worry all of the time about the future. We have a 3 year old daughter, and I worry that he won't be alive to see his grandchildren. My heart aches just thinking about what he has to face, but he is so strong and just goes on with life. My wish is that someone comes up with something that stops this disease in it's tracks, without any major side effects."
- Angi, Junction City, OR

"I hope and wish that there will be a cure for PKD before it takes over my body ... my father is in renal failure, and I hope for a kidney for him soon. And I wish that neither of my children have the disease."
-Tracy, Oregon City, OR

"In 1995, I was told I had PKD. Then, in 2001, my father passed away with PKD. In 2002, my son was told he has PKD and now, last year, my 12-year-old granddaughter has PKD. I went through the pain and suffering with my father and made a promise to my son I would not let that happen to him or grandchild or anyone else. That is I started the Chapter in Peoria, IL . To help us all fight this terrible disease."
- Sherry, Edwards,IL

"I wish that I could avoid the pain my family will have to endure because of my PKD. I wish for the strength to deal with the heavy burden that is comming my way. My father and grandmother died at the age of 48 from PKD. I am now 49. I wish to be a survivor."
- William, Norwood, OH

"I wish that through the funding of the PKD Foundation, we will find a means to prevent kidney failure due to PKD before my kidneys and my brother's kidneys fail and that our children will be cured of PKD in the next 15 years through genetic treatments if they are diagnosed with PKD. I also hope that millions more people will become aware of PKD and that I will never again have to explain to a doctor what PKD means. My prayer is that someday no one in the world will suffer the effects of PKD or its symptoms."
- Caryn, Westminster, CO

"I wish that a cure for PKD is found for my daughter Elizabeth. She is the only one in our family that has it, and she is stronger than all of us! She is our inspiration! I pray for her and millions like her ... END PKD!"
- Marianne, Plymouth, MA

"My family wishes that the memory of my father serve as a reminder of why we continue to support the PKD Foundation and help in finding a cure for PKD. Since he cannot walk, we Walk for PKD!"
- Jared, Columbus, OH

"My wish is that my children do not inherit PKD. I am the first in my family to be diagnosed with PKD. I hope for a cure."
- Dawn, Brockton, MA

"I wish that my 9 year old daughter will be able to grow up and start a family of her own someday without ever having to suffer the effects of PKD. I wish that my husband will be able to grow old with me and never has to suffer the effects of PKD. I wish that someday a kidney transplant or dialysis is no longer a treatment for PKD. I wish that someday everyone will know what PKD is and that someday this awful disease will stop all the pain and suffering that affects so many families. I wish for a cure !!"
- Carri, Bartlett, TN

"I wish for continued improvements in treatment and an ultimate CURE for all PKD suffers worldwide. My maternal Grandmother and some of my Aunts and Uncles died without hope of dialysis or renal transplants. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for the progress made that has allowed many of us more years. I pray for a CURE in time to save my son, nieces and nephews from all the pain this generation has suffered. Thank you PKD Foundation!!!"
- Betty, Poulsbo, WA

"My wish is for a cure to be found for PKD. My mother passed away in Jan 2006 from PKD. I have since found out that I have a sister who was adopted at birth. I have finally got to meet her. She also has PKD, and I want to be able to spend years getting to know her. I also want a cure because NO ONE should have to suffer the effects of PKD."
- Laurie, Villa Rica, GA

"I wish for a cure for my mother, my aunt, my cousins, myself. I pray my two children will not be dealt the same hand the rest of my family has, and I hope that one day I'll be able to run with them again, play outside in the sun again and do all the other things a healthy mother should be able to do."
-Nicole, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

"I wish for my beautiful 19 year-old daughter to be free from the devastation caused by PKD. My wish is for a cure before she has children, which may possibly be afflicted. My wish is for her to have the beautiful life she deserves."
- Sue, Phoenix, AZ

"I pray for a cure for PKD (my daughter has it). Also, I pray that none of her three children inherit the disease."
- Christi, Jasper, AL

"I wish my mother was alive today. She passed away last March because of PKD and its complications, after 10 years on hemodialysis. During all those years of her suffering, she was a trooper. I admire her courage in dealing with this disease. My brother, who is 41, and me - I'm 38 - have been diagnosed with the disease. Please find a cure ASAP!"
- Karen, San Juan, Puerto Rico

"I wish a cure is found for all PKD sufferers, including those who are undergoing dialysis, and I wish that this cure is found soon."
- Mallika, Sydney, Australia

"I wish for a cure!! I HOPE and wish another child will not have to suffer and go through what my daugher Hannah went through. I miss you, Hannah Bryanne Collins!"
- Amanda, Martinsville, IN

"My wish is that my husband could have a life pain free. He suffers every single day with a great deal of pain. I just wish there could be a cure. He is the sole bread winner in our family ... He just keeps on going no matter the pain. Please find a cure soon."
- Cheryl, Callahan, FL

"My wish is for my husband to be free of this disease and that he knows we all love and support him as he goes through each day. I also wish that my children will not be touched by this disease in any way and cures will be found!"
- Maggie, American Canyon, CA

"I wish I could take better care of my two children (do more physical things with them), work a regular job and just be here for them! I am all they have, and I wish my son would not have to suffer from the disease as well; he just turned 15."
- Debbie, Chicago, IL

"I wish my brother who is only 47 years old and suffering from PKD and raising his 4-year-old grandson could be cured - could feel no pain - could have peace in his life - could feel whole again. My wish for him is like the song by Rascal Flatts - My Wish."
- Lisa, United States

"I wish our two children Corriangel and Corey Michael in Heaven were here today to celebrate every holiday and birthday with our family. Corriangel was born November 2, 1996, and went to Heaven on June 16th, 1998, and Corey Michael was born May 28th, 1998, and went to Heaven on May 29th, 1998. From our family to yours, have a blessed Holiday!"
- Laurie, Dundee, IL

"We wish that people would recognize the fact that PKD is hurting way too many of us in a very big way and that it needs to be dealt with and not ignored. We wish all PKD patients and their families a lifetime free from the pain, suffering and anguish that often accompanies this devestating disease."
- Karyn, Germantown, TN

"I wish that everyone who is suffering from this disease could have a 'holiday' from problems this Christmas season."
- Kathy, Bedford, TX

"My wish is that my husband's new kidney will function for a long long time and that we won't have to worry that our future children will suffer the effects of this genetic disease as he did. PKD Cure!"
- Kandie, United States

"My wish would be to find a cure for PKD so my mother won't have to worry about waiting for a matching donor and my sister won't have to live and wait until the disease begins taking over her body."
- Ericka, Chicago, IL

"I wish my 18 year-old daughter didn't have to spend these early years worrying about her future, working hard to pay medical bills while attending college and worrying about health insurance at her age ... I wish she could just enjoy herself and her first year in college."
- Laura, Fortville, IN

"I wish that I didn't have to watch my husband die with PKD. I have four children, and so far, one has been diagnosed with PKD. I wish that a cure is found so I will not have to watch my children suffer with this horrible disease."
- Nina, Ottawa, KS

"The Farmer family suffers. I wish they did not have to. Six out of the nine children in this family have PKD; two of those six have died. Their mother died at 39 yrs old in 1967 from PKD. I wish there was a cure and more programs for families affected by PKD."
- Erin, Lombard, IL

(In the picture to the left, Erin's father, John Farmer, holds his grandson Gavin. The picture was taken in 2004; John Farmer died December 29, 2005.)

"I wish for my husband to live many many long and healthy years! I wish that my children would not have to worry about whether or not they will inherit this disease! I wish for a cure!"
- Bev, Longmont, CO

"I wish that for myself, my family members and everyone afflicted with PKD that effective treatments for this disease will be available in the very near future."
- Rebecca, United States