I invite you to join me in co-sponsoring a resolution to designate the month of September as Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Raising awareness, encouraging research, and supporting affected families is a cause that hits close to home. Three members of my family have suffered with this disease and thankfully have received successful kidney transplants from fellow family members. These are only statistics from one family. 
 
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a chronic, genetic disorder that causes fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys, often leading to high blood pressure, painful complications, and kidney failure. There are two forms: Autosomal Dominant PKD (ADPKD), the more common type, and Autosomal Recessive PKD (ARPKD), a rarer but serious form affecting children. ADPKD impacts more than 600,000 Americans and 12 million people globally. It is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure, and more than half of those affected will require dialysis or a transplant by the age of 60.
 
Despite its impact, PKD remains under-recognized. That is why the PKD Foundation—the only organization in the U.S. solely dedicated to fighting PKD—marks September as PKD Awareness Month each year. Our resolution would align Pennsylvania with national efforts to shine a light on this painful and life-altering disease.
 
Designating September as PKD Awareness Month will help promote public understanding of the disease, highlight the need for increased research funding and treatment, and support the families and individuals who live with PKD every day.
 
I respectfully ask for your support in co-sponsoring this important resolution. If you have any questions, please contact Christine Zubeck in my office at 717-787-6123 or czubeck@pasen.gov.  Thank you for your consideration.