What Your Fundraising Supports
At the PKD Foundation, our vision is to end PKD. Research is the key to making this a reality. Since 1982, we’ve proudly funded $36M in PKD research grants and fellowships while leveraging more than one billion dollars in government funding for PKD research.
Dollars directed to PKD research represent a stride toward understanding, treating, and ultimately curing PKD, offering hope and relief to millions worldwide.
Fundraising dollars from the Walk for PKD, have helped us by:
- Distribute more than $2M in funding to support 20 PKD Research Grants and six Research Fellowships for young PKD investigators. Additionally, we increased funding for each fellowship by $10K. This research brings hope for better treatments, and one day, a cure.
- Continue to advocate for government funding for research every year. PKD research funding from the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs more than quadrupled from $3.5M in FY2023 to $15.66M in FY2024.
- Designate three new Centers of Excellence (COE), 14 new Partner Clinics, and four new Pediatric Clinics, including our first-ever Pediatric COEs. This 30% expansion enhances patient care and advances research.
Join us and help us move PKD research forward.
Why We Walk
Experience what it’s like to be part of a one-of-a-kind, coast to coast movement at this year’s Walk for PKD. Together, we walk to fund PKD research, raise awareness, build community, and improve the lives of those living with PKD.
Last year, fundraisers raised over $1.1M which helped us maintain our 20% increase in PKD Foundation funded research.
As we join for the largest gathering of people affected by PKD, we’re excited to celebrate why you walk. Watch this inspirational video to see why others in the PKD community are dedicated to the Walk for PKD.
Use the tools below to share why you walk.
Why do you walk for PKD?
I walk for
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 fundraising@pkdcure.org if you have a news story to share or need help preparing for an interview!
2023
San Antonio Walk volunteers on Great Day San Antonio
Mark Ruffin and Diane Biery talk about the San Antonio Walk for PKD.
Watch here.
San Antonio Walk volunteers on Cox Radio
Mark and Patti Ruffin raise PKD awareness, share their story and promote the San Antonio Walk on Cox Radio with Chrissie Murnin.
Milwaukee Walk volunteers on the Morning Blend
Sara DornBrook and Rachel Howell share their PKD stories and promote the Milwaukee Walk.
Pittsburgh PKD patients on iHeart Radio
Gary Santel, George Santel and three other PKD patients share their PKD story and promote the Pittsburgh Walk on iHeart radio.
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