PKD Foundation

During our annual staff retreat, we volunteered at HappyBottoms, Kansas City's Diaper Bank, a local organization that provides diapers to families in need. At the PKD Foundation, we know the power of community and support. Huge shoutout to our incredible team for embodying the spirit of service and compassion!

"I learned my strengths are necessary for building a strong team." "Had great conversations around balancing our strengths." "I am now able to be more future oriented." "Knowing how to prevent myself from going to the basement side of my strengths." Just a few things shared from the PKD Foundation team Strengths workshop today. Many flew into Kansas City for in-person team time this week. And a shout out to Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation for having a mothering room! Susan Bushnell Carmen Gleason Tanya Bissen Krystn Kuckelman Caitlin Lasky Laura Rayburn Monica Pontarelli Nicole Harr Becky Conelias Savanna Moore Sydney Johnston Vanessa Holliday

Every PKD family faces a 50% chance of passing this genetic disease to the next generation. This Giving Tuesday, we’re raising funds to accelerate the path toward ending PKD. Support families like Dorcella’s ?? go.pkdcure.org/GT24S

We are taking a patient-centric approach to our mission by involving YOU in our grant review process. Help us evaluate research study applications and participate in peer review panel discussions as a member of our Stakeholder Advisory Board. Learn more and apply today ?? https://lnkd.in/g6ziTMJ5

Giving Tuesday will be here before we know it! Help the PKD Foundation accelerate our vision of ending PKD for future generations. Thanks to our generous Board of Directors, your gift will go twice as far—matched dollar-for-dollar up to $30,000. Learn more at go.pkdcure.org/GT24S

Denver, Houston, and Philadelphia! We’re looking for passionate PKD Connect Ambassadors in these communities. Our Ambassadors play a vital role in supporting patients on their PKD journey by connecting them to PKD Foundation programs, services, educational resources, and more. Learn how to get involved at https://lnkd.in/g_F4wdad

We’re so proud of everything our community has accomplished at this year’s Walk for PKD. ?? Thank YOU for making a difference in the lives of everyone affected by PKD.?

Feeling overwhelmed? Mental health plays a vital role in your overall wellness. This PKD Life article explores common mental health experiences for patients and caregivers—and offers helpful tips for managing stress and finding support. ?? Read more ?? https://lnkd.in/gdgVvVa8

Meet kidney researcher Duuamene Nyimanu, Ph.D., of the University of Kansas Medical Center. In 2023 he received a fellowship to investigate whether targeting the apelin signaling pathway system could slow the progression of PKD. Apelin receptors are found in blood vessels and various organs, including the kidneys. When activated by apelin proteins, they trigger responses such as blood vessel relaxation and reduced inflammation. Although Dr. Nyimanu initially focused on their role in cardiovascular disease, he became intrigued by their actions in the kidneys. His research turned up three published studies in ADPKD, but all indicated that decreased apelin signaling accelerated PKD progression. In one study, PKD patients with the lowest apelin levels developed worse disease over 12 months. They also had increased injury to the tubules, the kidney structures that filter urine. This suggested that boosting apelin activity might protect kidney function. Though apelin receptors remain intact in PKD, levels of the apelin ligands that activate them are reduced. By replacing the missing apelin proteins, Dr. Nyimanu hopes to reconstitute signaling and slow cyst growth and kidney damage. If successful in animals, the goal is to translate these findings into apelin-based drugs for human PKD, Dr. Nyimanu says. Beyond potential kidney benefits, the apelin system also lowers blood pressure—a major complication in PKD. Activating apelin receptors could thus provide the dual advantages of preserving kidney function while controlling hypertension and its accompanying risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Learn more about PKD Foundation-funded research at https://lnkd.in/gUDdu3i.

Pumpkins to #endPKD? ?? Raising awareness and funds for critical PKD research is easier than you think! Through Fundraise Your Way, you can turn major holidays, bake sales, lemonade stands, and more into a fundraiser for the PKD Foundation. Learn more at pkdcure.org/fyw