The Northeast Ohio Walk for PKD raises money to treat and cure polycystic kidney disease (PKD).
Northeast Ohio – This year, Ashley Heffner of Macedonia will join thousands nationwide at in-person Walk for PKD fundraising events. We come together to support 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, all of whom are in urgent need of therapeutic treatments and a cure.
The 2023 Northeast Ohio Walk for PKD is planned for Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Cleveland Metroparks, Brecksville Reservation, Oak Grove Picnic Area, with PKD patients, their families, friends, and members of the PKD medical community fundraising and walking together to end PKD. Registration is at 8:30 – 9:45, Penny Kids Dash at 9:45am and the Walk beginning at 10am. This is a free, family- friendly event with kids activities, a raffle and a chili cook-off
Ashley Heffner and her team, Pearls of Hope, have been participating in the Walk for PKD since 2013 in honor of her father, Tom Heffner and grandmother Pearl Heffner. Ashley has PKD and the disease has affected others in her family for generations. Through her involvement with the Foundation, Ashley has found a way to feel like she’s making a difference for her loved ones … and raise awareness of a disease that isn’t as well-known as other chronic diseases.
“As the volunteer walk coordinator, I have the opportunity to meet so many new people and hear their PKD stories. It also gives me the chance to raise awareness, funds and support for those with PKD and their families. With 100% of all donations going directly to research, education, advocacy, support and awareness, we will make a difference!”
The Walk for PKD is the nation’s largest fundraising event for polycystic kidney disease, having raised over $35 million for PKD research since 2000. When you fundraise for the Walk for PKD, you will make a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands in America and millions worldwide living with PKD. One hundred percent of each donation funds life-saving research.
Register for the Northeast Ohio Walk for PKD at walkforpkd.org/Northeastohio
About PKD
PKD patients are in urgent need of treatments and a cure. PKD causes uncontrolled growth of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, often leading to kidney failure. Once a person has kidney failure, dialysis, or a transplant are the only options to treat the damage the disease has caused.
There are two types of PKD: autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD). ADPKD is more common and affects an estimated 600,000 Americans and 12.4 million people worldwide. Parents with ADPKD have a 50% chance of passing it on to each of their children. Approximately 10% of the people diagnosed with ADPKD have no family history of the disease, with PKD developing as a spontaneous (new) mutation. Once they have it, they have a 50% chance of passing it on to each of their children. The less common form, ARPKD affects approximately 1 in 25,000 children, and often causes death in the first month of life. ARPKD can cause death in the first month of life. However, thanks to advances in research, almost 80 percent of ARPKD children now survive the newborn period.
About the PKD Foundation
The PKD Foundation is the only organization in the United States solely dedicated to finding treatments and a cure for PKD.
Our mission: We give hope. We fund research, advocate for patients, and build a community for all affected by polycystic kidney disease (PKD).
Our Vision: #endPKD
