Charleston, SC (PressExposure) August 11, 2010 -- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a hereditary kidney disease characterized by enlarged kidneys containing many cysts. These cysts destroy working kidney tissue and may lead to chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Presently, there is no cure, but the Charleston chapter of the PKD Foundation hopes to change that.

A fundraising event is being kicked off by gathering commitments from those who wish to donate time or money to help find a cure for PKD. Those who agree to walk will be seeking sponsorship from friends, neighbors, families, and businesses. Participants will be collecting monetary donations from sponsors for up to a month after the event.

This is a community event that provides something fun to do with the entire family—including the dogs! Adults, children, and family pets will walk, run, rollerblade, stroll, or bike approximately two miles around the scenic circle of Hampton Park, home to some of Charleston's oldest oak trees. This area was once part of the Gibbs Plantation and was then the Washington race course. Kids under 12 may participate in the Penny Kids Dash. Children are encouraged to collect pennies and coins as everyone helps to fundraise and make a difference in the lives of those with PKD. Kids who run the short dash will receive a Penny Kids Dash t-shirt.

"More than 12 million lives are interrupted or cut short by PKD,” says the Walk’s coordinator Ashley Atkinson. “While the PKD Foundation has made inspiring advancements in treatment, there is more to be done. By fundraising and walking this year, you can unite with thousands of others to help find a cure for PKD.”

The PKD Foundation leads the fight against PKD through vital research funding and patient education. Clinical trials and the PKD Foundation's new Drug Repurposing Program, offer help and hope to the 12.5 million worldwide, who are living with PKD. Scientists funded by the PKD Foundation have progressed from identifying mechanisms of cyst formation and growth to conducting clinical trials to test therapies in humans.

Celebrating this extraordinary success in biomedical research, eighty walkers participated in last year’s Charleston walk event and collected a total of $10,000. The local chapter of the Foundation is hoping to double that number this year.

To learn more about sponsoring or walking in the event, contact Ashley Atkinson (843-557-5876 or charlestonwalk@pkdcure.org) or visit http://www.pkdcure.org/charlestonwalk.

About PKD Foundation

Ashley Atkinson
843-557-5876
charlestonwalk@pkdcure.org
http://www.pkdcure.org/charlestonwalk

Press Release Source: http://PressExposure.com/PR/PKD_Foundation.html