It's a New Year and as a PKD patient, I hold high hopes and dreams of finding better treatments and of course a cure for PKD. In 2012 PKD patients had some great news. One in particular was the results from the Tolvaptan study. The study shows that Tolvaptan does in fact slow down the growth of the cysts on our kidneys. We learned that Drug Repurposing has become a huge part of research for the PKD Foundation. With our continued fight for a cure through awareness and fundraising, I feel strong that one day soon great things will change this horrific disease affecting PKD patients and their loved ones. As I mentioned in my previous blog, my goal is to share with you anything from the PKD Foundation and any other resources I find. Julia Roberts and Michelle Karl will also continue in their fight for a cure on the ARKPD side of this disease. But please do not hesitate to post things on FaceBook and/or let me know in the comments section about things you've heard about or read.
To make things happen like drug repurposing and research, we have a lot of things to do as a chapter and a foundation this year! I am about to embark on the Cocktails for a Cure event and would love to have my volunteers from last year step up and anyone else who would like to become involved in this important fundraiser. We want it to be bigger and better than last year and I believe whole heartily we can do it! Let me know if you'd like to be a part by emailing me on FB or at atlantachapter@pkdcure.org.
Karyn Waxman in Memphis who created a very successful annual golf tournament has high hopes of finding a person in the Atlanta area who not only loves to play golf but would like to be involved with a golf tournament! I can put that person in touch with her also.
Finally, the leadership conference is coming up at the end of February and I'd love to hear about some concerns, questions, ideas and opinions you may feel is important for me as the chapter leader to bring to the forefront at the meeting. This is the best place for your ideas to be presented so DON'T BE SHY!
Again, Happy New Year and let's do great things together as a chapter and as people who have been affected by PKD far too long!
Marlene Stewart
Chapter Coordinator
