Recognition
Walk for PKD teams are essential to fundraising and raising awareness. In recognition of our top fundraisers, the PKD Foundation presents the TeamFirst Award to captains whose teams have raised $10,000 or more to support advancing treatment and finding a cure for PKD.
Visionaries are top fundraisers dedicated to advancing treatment and finding a cure for PKD. Individually, they raise $6,000 or more. These individuals are intensely devoted to the fight against PKD and we’re grateful for their support.
Congratulations
and thank you to our top fundraisers
of 2022!
TeamFirst
Gold
$30,000+
Patti’s Partners to Find a Cure for PKD | San Antonio
Going for Geigers | Salt Lake City
Silver
$20,000 – $29,999
Springhill Strollers | New Jersey
Ivan’s Investors for a PKD Cure | Tampa
Bronze
$10,000 – $19,999
To the Nines | Chicago
UT Health SA Nephrology | San Antonio
Marilyn’s Marchers | Houston
Speltzs’ Stompin’ Cysts | Twin Cities
Repa’s Kidney Kickers | St. Louis
Adam’s Apples | San Diego
Visionaries
Leading Light
$20,000+
Amy Manelli | Salt Lake City
Mark Ruffin | San Antonio
Innovator
$10,000 – $19,999
Edward McVey | Milwaukee
Harold Saul | Tampa
CJ Everett | San Antonio
Adam Saks | San Diego
Patti O’Grady Ruffin | San Antoino
Pacesetter
$6,000 – $9,999
Ana Repa | St. Louis
Greigh Gruarin | Western New York
Sheila Speltz | Twin Cities
Alex Evans | Nashville
Frank Condella | Boston
David Damiani | Tidewater
In the news
Walkers from across the nation have made it into the news. And you can, too! Your PKD story and Why you Walk will catch the interest of local media. Health reporters, human interest, and giving back segments on TV, radio, podcasts, or print are all opportunities to publicize the Walk for PKD and raise awareness.
Email walkforpkd@pkdcure.org if you have a news story to share or need help preparing for an interview!
2022
Northeast Ohio families come together to end life threatening genetic kidney disease
September 8, 2022
Nordonia Hills News featured the Northeast Ohio Walk and shared Walk Ambassador, Ashley Heffner’s PKD story.
San Antonio Walk Amassador, Patti Ruffin on KENS Cares
September 7, 2022
Patti Ruffin brings awareness to PKD on KENS Cares.
San Antonio Walk featured on Kens5, Great Day San Antonio
September 7, 2022
Mark Ruffin, PKD Connect Ambassador and Patti Ruffin, Walk Ambassador talk about PKD and the Walk for PKD.
Pittsburgh Sunday Morning interviews our Pittsburgh PKD Community about the Walk for PKD
August 28, 2022
Kristee Rosen, Gary Santel, Stephanie, Kevin Kuchta, and Dr. Nashar share their PKD stories and share information on the Pittsburgh Walk for PKD.
2021
Volunteers walk in La Grange Highlands to raise awareness of genetic kidney disease
Oct. 18, 2021
Chicago Walk for PKD team, To the Nines, walked with nearly 200 people at La Grange Highlands Elementary School in support of PKD patient, David Ninesling. The team raised over $32,000 for PKD research.
Read article
New York family raises over $18,000 for PKD research
Sept. 23, 2021
Paw Patrol Team Captain Erin Phillips and her son Nicholas have been raising funds and awareness of PKD since 2008.
Read article
Walk for PKD discussed on Pittsburgh Sunday Morning, 3WS Radio
Sept. 5, 2021
Volunteer Walk Coordinator Aaron Hassett, along with Lisa Heron, Cameron Guthrie, and Dr. Kumar talk about PKD and promote the Walk for PKD on Pittsburgh Sunday Morning, 3WS Radio (WWSW-FM).
Listen to the interview
UT Health San Antonio Newsroom profiles Walk couple
July 6, 2021
CJ’s gift: How a doctor couple saved their baby’s life and gained valuable perspective on patient care.
Read article
2020
West Newsmagazine features St. Louis Walk for PKD
Nov. 30, 2020
Local St. Louis newspaper, West Newsmagazine, features “Team Roz” and the Glaser family’s support of the St. Louis Walk for PKD.
Read article
St. Louis Walk for PKD featured on FOX2 News
Oct. 12, 2020
Journalist, Kim Hudson of Fox2 News features the St. Louis Virtual Walk on her segment: What you are doing about it.
Watch segment
St. Louis Walk for PKD featured on KTRS the Big550
Oct. 1, 2020
Jean Sommer interview with Ray Hartmann on the “St. Louis in the Know” show on October 1, 2020 on KTRS the Big550. I am educating people about PKD, promoting the Walk for PKD, and sharing my story.
Listen to the interview
Kent’s Kidney Stories (Podcast): Patti’s Partners to find a Cure for PKD
Sept. 11, 2020
Kent speaks with Patti Ruffin, San Antonio Walk Coordinator. She shares her amazing transplant story and what she is doing now to help promote awareness for kidney disease and those in need of a transplant. Listen to Patti’s journey on this informative podcast.
Listen to the podcast
San Antonio Walk for PKD featured on Great Day SA
Aug. 27, 2020
San Antonio Walk Coordinator Patti Ruffin was welcomed to Great Day SA to talk about PKD and this year’s virtual Walk for PKD.
Watch the segment
Pittsburgh Sunday Morning — Polycystic Kidney Disease
Aug. 5, 2020
Aaron Hassett, Gary and Rosann Lederer and Dr. Kumar talk about what it is like to have PKD and the virtual Walk on WDVE 102.5FM, iHeart radio with host, Jonny Hartwell.
2018
Central Ohio Walker Featured in the Delaware Gazette
Sept. 21, 2018
High School senior Taylor Karlo speaks with the Delaware Gazette about her journey with playing volleyball and having ADPKD. She also discusses her team’s participation in the upcoming Central Ohio Walk for PKD.
Transplant recipient and San Antonio walker featured on Wilson County News
Sept. 5, 2018
Transplant recipient Dorothy Bray shares her journey with PKD and why she Walks on Wilson County News.
San Antonio Walk for PKD featured on KONO 101.1
Sept. 13, 2018
Walk Coordinator Patti Ruffin and transplant recipient Dorothy Bray visit San Antonio’s KONO 101.1 to discuss PKD and the recent San Antonio Walk event.
San Antonio Walk for PKD featured on Great Day SA
August 27, 2018
Great Day SA welcomed San Antonio Walk Coordinator and a two-time transplant recipient to their show to talk about PKD and the Walk for PKD event in San Antonio.
Austin Walk for PKD featured on iHeart Radio
March 30, 2018
Volunteer Walk Coordinator Beth Leven had the opportunity to talk about the upcoming Austin Walk for PKD on iHeart Radio.
2017
Twin Cities radio personality raises her voice for PKD
September 8, 2017
Michele Jansen, general manager and on-air talent at KBEM Radio, was recently featured in the Star Tribune raising awareness for PKD and the Twin Cities Walk for PKD on Saturday, Sept. 16.
San Antonio Walk featured on Great Day San Antonio
September 5, 2017
Patti Ruffin and Dr. Ronald Rodriguez spread PKD awareness on Great Day San Antonio and invite the community to come out for the Walk for PKD on Saturday, Sept. 9, at O.P. Schnabel Park.
San Antonio Walk featured on KONO 101.1
September 5, 2017
UT Health Doctors Ronald Rodriguez and Brian Reeves join Patti Ruffin for an interview with Chrissie Murnin to invite everyone to the San Antonio Walk for PKD on Saturday, Sept. 9, at O.P. Schnabel Park.
Interim dean at UT Health San Antonio joins local Walk
August 24, 2017
Ronald Rodriguez, M.D., Ph.D., interim dean of the Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, is getting ready to join the San Antonio Walk for PKD on Saturday, Sept. 9. Check out the full article from UT Health San Antonio to learn more about why he walks.
Austin Walk for PKD featured on iHeart Radio
March 14, 2017
Volunteer Walk Coordinator Beth Leven had the opportunity to talk about the upcoming Austin Walk for PKD on iHeart Radio.
2016
Paired donation saves lives of strangers and loved ones for Arizona couple
Oct. 14, 2016
Michelle Fulcher of Phoenix, Ariz. was devastated when she and six other friends who got tested for kidney compatibility with her husband Tom came up with negative results. Then, Tom’s doctor told them about Paired Donation, and through one of the largest paired donation chains in Arizona’s history, Michelle helped save her husband’s and others’ lives.
Delaware Hayes cheerleader doesn’t let kidney disease slow her down
Sept. 22, 2016
Sara Dietrich, daughter of Central Ohio Walk Coordinator Autumn Dietrich, was featured in a segment by Columbus, Ohio NBC affiliate WCMH-TV to share how she doesn’t let PKD slow her down. Watch the feature below:
Pittsburgh Walk for PKD featured on 102.5 WDVE
Sept. 19, 2016
From left to right: Dr. Kumar, Wendy Treschler, Paige Treschler, Nancy Kaminski, DJ Sean McDowell and George Santel.
Members of the PKD Foundation’s Pittsburgh Chapter were interviewed by DJ Sean McDowell about PKD and Pittsburgh’s annual Walk for PKD.
North Texas Community Comes Together to End Life-Threatening Genetic Kidney Disease
Sept. 9, 2016
grapevine-colleyville.ourgreatcity.com
This year, Tracy Heslink encourages you to join thousands of people nationwide who will come together and walk in support of those affected by polycystic kidney disease (PKD). PKD is one of the most common, life-threatening genetic kidney diseases. It affects hundreds of thousands in America and millions worldwide, who are in urgent need of treatments and a cure. It is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure.
San Antonio Walk featured on KONO 101.1
Aug. 30, 2016
Chrissie Murnin chats with San Antonio Walk Coordinator Patti Ruffin, Dorcella Sunday and Dene Kyrish about the San Antonio Walk for PKD. Dene also talks about donating a kidney to her sister Dorcella.
Mark and Patti Ruffin are making a difference!
Aug. 23, 2016
San Antonio Chapter and Walk Coordinators Mark and Patti Ruffin are featured in an article by Sound Financial Strategies Group about what they do in retirement including their dedication to the San Antonio Chapter and Walk.
San Antonio Walk PSA
July 6, 2016
KSAT-12 recently interviewed Dorcella Sunday and her kidney donor Dene Kyrish to create a PSA for the San Antonio Walk for PKD. The segment will air July 27, 2016, and includes a brief description of PKD with a few comments from Dene and Dorcella.
Sara Dietrich – Overcoming Odds
April 15, 2016
Sara Dietrich is the daughter of Central Ohio Walk Coordinator Autumn Dietrich and was featured in the Wall-to-Wall sports segment on WBNS-10TV. Watch the story below.
Let’s Get Healthy
March 21, 2016
Austin Walk Coordinator Beth Leven was on “Let’s Get Healthy” on 1370 Talk Radio in Austin, Texas to promote the Austin Walk for PKD. Listen to her interview below.
2015
The Upside of a Chronic Disease
Dec. 7, 2015
New York City walker and former PKD Foundation Board member Bill Brazell shares his story at his 25th college reunion. Read the full transcript of the video from the Huffington Post.
Nebraska Walk Coordinator Jennifer Russell and her daughter Emma fight PKD together
Sept. 29, 2015
Ashley Heffner shares her story and helps promote the Northeast Ohio Walk for PKD
Sept. 22, 2015
Cleveland 19 News|Cleveland, OH|News, Weather, Sports
Valen Keefer and Larianne Austin talk about the Sacramento Walk on Fox 40
Sept. 17, 2015
San Antonio Walk featured on “Great Day SA”
Sept. 3, 2015
San Antonio Walk featured on “Focus on South Texas”
Aug. 25, 2015
Walk for PKD fights genetic kidney disease
July 27, 2015
The PKD Foundation represents hope for those affected by polycystic kidney disease (PKD), one of the most common, life-threatening genetic diseases. The annual Walk for PKD is the signature fundraising and public awareness event for the PKD Foundation. With more than 11,000 walkers nationwide, it is the largest gathering of PKD patients, family, friends and members of the PKD medical community. The Walk for PKD has raised nearly $24 million since 2000. The coordinators for the local walk are Theresa Raguso of Elmhurst and Pam Foster of Vernon Hills. It is at 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, in Busse Woods Forest Preserve, Grove 6, at Higgins and Arlington Heights roads.
2014
Pittsburgh Walk featured in radio interview with Sean McDowell on 102.5 WDVE
Oct. 14, 2014
Families unite in effort to end genetic kidney disease
Sept. 16, 2014
This year, Jeff and Laura Moyer of La Porte, as well as thousands nationwide, will come together and walk in support of those affected by polycystic kidney disease. PKD is one of the most common, life-threatening genetic kidney diseases affecting thousands in America and millions worldwide. It is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure, and there is no treatment or cure. The 2014 Northern Indiana Walk for PKD is planned for Saturday at Creek Ridge County Park with PKD patients, their families and friends fundraising and walking together to unite to fight and end PKD. Registration is at 9 a.m., with the Walk beginning at 10 a.m. Jeff and Laura Moyer participate in the Walk for PKD for Laura’s immediate family (15 of them including Laura herself), who has autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
San Antonio Walk featured on “Great Day SA” and radio interview with Chrissie Murnin
Sept. 8, 2014
Radio interview with Chrissie Murnin heard on Y100, Kono 101.1, X1067, KKYX, CBS Sports Radio 860 and 99.5 KISS.
2013
PKD Foundation benefit surpasses financial target
Oct. 14, 2013
Talk about hitting the finish line with success. The North Texas Walk for PKD benefiting the national PKD Foundation, which is dedicated to finding treatments and a cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), was held recently at Rustin City Park in front of City Hall at Southlake Town Square. Carolyn Morris and a team of volunteers worked to make this year’s fundraiser a success. And it clearly paid off. A record-breaking crowd donated more than $79,000 to the cause, exceeding the group’s target goal. The money will be donated to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation for research, education and awareness. The disease affects 600,000 Americans and has no cure. Well done all.
St. Louis Walk for PKD hits tower grove park Sunday
Oct. 11, 2013
St. Louis volunteer Traci Short was interviewd by NBC affiliate KSDK about PKD and the St. Louis Walk for PKD. Watch the interview below:
Kidney donors critical for those with PKD
Oct. 2, 2013
Jaime Lazarus, Volunteer Chapter Coordinator for the PKD Foundation’s Connecticut Chapter, spoke to ABC affiliate WTNH about PKD and the importance of organ donation.
What’s your project: the PKD Foundation
Sept. 27, 2013
The PKD Foundation is very dear to Maureen Gardner. Her daughter Michele, now 24, was diagnosed eight years ago with polycistic kidney disease, for which there is neither treatment nor cure. Michele’s plight inspired her mom to start a project entitled “A Case for a Cure.” She sews pillowcases to raise money for PKD research and help raise awareness. “I bought a variety of fabrics and placed a teal ribbon on each one that said ‘End PKD’” said Maureen Gardner, of Greece, a registered nurse at Westside Pediatrics. “I sent them to all my friends and relatives with the option of a small donation to the PKD Foundation.”
San Antonio Walk for PKD
Sept. 9, 2013
Patti Ruffin, San Antonio Volunteer Walk Coordinator, and Christina Prieto appeared on Great Day SA to talk about the 2013 San Antonio Walk for PKD. You can watch the interview below:
Patti and Christina were also interviewed by KONO 101.1 FM. You can listen to the interview here.
Foundation looks to spread awareness of PKD
Sept. 8, 2013
The Detroit Chapter was interviewd by NBC affiliate WDIV to talk about PKD and promote the Detroit Walk for PKD. You can see the interview below:
Cedar Rapids holds walk for kidney disease
Sept. 7, 2013
The 2013 Iowa Walk for PKD was featured on ABC affiliate KCRG and Walk Co-Coordinator John Burge was interviewed about PKD. Watch the video below:
Bedford Hills Park is setting for charity walk vs. kidney disease
Sept. 5, 2013
The Hudson Valley Chapter of the PKD Foundation is holding a walk in support of those affected by polycystic kidney disease. PKD is a life-threatening genetic kidney disease affecting thousands in America and millions worldwide. It is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure, and there is no treatment or cure.
The Hudson Valley chapter is celebrating its 10th anniversary Walk for PKD, which is planned for Sept. 21 at Bedford Hills Memorial Park. Registration is at 9 a.m., with the walk beginning at 10 a.m., rain or shine.