More than 1,000 people from across the United States and 50 countries around the world took part in the first in a series of online educational sessions to learn more about polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The PKD Foundation presented the live question and answer session October 14 as part of an expanded patient education program. The second session focusing on nutrition is planned for January 6, 2009.

“More than 1,400 people registered, five-hundred participated in the live web event, and hundreds more visited our website, www.pkdcure.org, to download and view the session. These numbers reflect the desire PKD patients and families have to learn more about this devastating disease,” said PKD Foundation National Director of Educational Programs, Dave Switzer. “We were pleased to offer this webinar as a first step in a whole new program to provide in-depth and actionable information for people dealing with PKD. Our goal is to empower PKD patients and families with these learning opportunities to help them better manage their health and well-being,” he added.

This is the first in a series of webinars presented by the PKD Foundation to help increase education and understanding of various aspects of PKD. The next session, scheduled for January 6, 2009, will feature information about PKD and nutrition. Future topics include:

• Advanced PKD information                   

• Pain Management                       

•Transplantation                                       

• Caregiver Information                            

• Clinical Trials                             

• Dialysis

PKD is one of the most common life-threatening genetic diseases. PKD causes cysts to form in the kidneys and eventually the kidneys fail. Dialysis and transplantation are the only treatments for kidney failure. There is no cure for PKD. 

To arrange interviews with PKD experts or patients, please contact Media Manager, Jennifer Robinson, at jenniferr@pkdcure.org or (913) 768-0580 or (816) 803-9510. To learn more or to download the full session with Dr. Ronald Perrone, visit www.pkdcure.org.

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