CMT DOUBLES DONATION TO PKD FOUNDATION AS RODNEY CARRINGTON’S CHARITY OF CHOICE
Network will make $5,000 contribution on Carrington’s behalf in recognition of his CMT award.
(Kansas City, MO) April 16, 2008 — Votes cast for comedian Rodney Carrington in the 2008 CMT Awards will now help fund research for one of the most common, life-threatening genetic diseases. Carrington won the award for “Best Supporting Character in a Video.” This year, along with the coveted award, the network agreed to make a donation to a charity of choice on each winner’s behalf. CMT had originally designated $2,500 for each charity, but executives with the network decided to double that amount to $5,000 for each winner.
Rodney Carrington has helped champion the cause of PKD awareness and research since his wife Terri and her twin sister were diagnosed with the disease just a few years ago. The Carrington’s three sons also have a 50 percent chance of inheriting the disease. Terri Carrington serves as volunteer coordinator for the PKD Foundation’s Tulsa Chapter. Rodney has helped with her efforts to raise awareness over the past three years since she took on the role.
“Rodney’s designation of the PKD Foundation as his charity of choice has provided a unique opportunity to raise awareness of PKD among a nation-wide audience. We are grateful for the Carrington’s generosity and so impressed by the CMT Network’s offer to double the donation!” said PKD Foundation National Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Dave Switzer.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) affects 12.5 million people. That makes it more common than cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy and sickle cell anemia combined. PKD causes cysts to form throughout the kidneys and eventually, the kidneys fail. Dialysis and transplantation are the only treatment options for kidney failure. There is no cure for PKD, but there is hope!
The non-profit, PKD Foundation, headquartered in Kansas City, MO, leads the fight against polycystic kidney disease (PKD) through research funding, patient education and advocacy. In 2008, the PKD Foundation will fund approximately $4 million in vital PKD research. For more information, visit www.pkdcure.org or call 1-800-PKD-CURE.