(Kansas City) March 5, 2006—Valen Sheriff is no shrinking violet. In spite of a life-threatening genetic disease, the “2005 Kidney Idol” uses her life to inspire others. Valen was named “American Kidney Idol” in an on-line contest held by a national dialysis organization. Voters chose her as the person who most inspires others with her positive attitude.

Valen was 10 years old when she was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). During high school and her freshman year of college, Valen’s kidneys failed and had to be removed. A transplant was her only hope. What she endured would have broken most people. Instead, Valen used her successful kidney transplant as a new beginning.

She contacted the PKD Foundation and set up a new PKD chapter in south central Pennsylvania. She poured her time and energy into offering hope to other patients, facing the uncertainty of a PKD diagnosis. Valen is now working with fiction author Jess Riley. Her real life experiences will help shape a fictional character with PKD. Jess Riley’s novel is set for release in Summer 2007.

PKD is the world’s most common life-threatening genetic disease, affecting 1 in 500 people regardless of sex, age, race or ethnic origin. For the 12.5 million people with PKD, fluid-filled cysts grow on the kidneys. Over time, these cysts get bigger and multiply, often leading to kidney failure. Dialysis and transplantation are the only options. Currently, there is no treatment and no cure.

Valen also leads the PKD Foundation’s 2006 Campaign for the Cure. The annual membership drive raises funds to support PKD research, public awareness and patient education.

The not-for-profit PKD Foundation is the only organization, worldwide, dedicated to finding a treatment and a cure for this devastating disease. For more information about PKD and the PKD Foundation, visit www.pkdcure.org or call 1-800-PKD-CURE.

March is National Kidney Month.

To schedule an interview with Valen or other PKD patients and experts in your area, contact PKD Foundation Media Manager Jennifer Robinson at (816) 268-8493 or jenniferr@pkdcure.org.