PKD Voices
Are you PKD aware?
Although Polycystic kidney Disease (PKD) causes pain and suffering to millions around the globe - with the first case dating as far back to the death of the King of Poland in 1586 - awareness and therefore understanding of the disease is still very low. We want to change that.
PKD Voices features the tragic as well as triumphant stories of those who live with PKD: men, women, and children, each with a unique experience to share. If you’ve a story to tell please do get in touch here.
Former BBC Scotland presenter and journalist Bill Whiteford tells the unique story of how he and his brothers came to receive kidneys from living donors... by 3 different routes... within 3 years of each other!
The number of living organ donors in the UK has trebled over the last 20 years, with Kidneys accounting for 98% of living organ donations in 2019/20. Here, 34 year old James Hayley explains how logic - as well as a lifetime bond - led him to donate a kidney to best friend, Josh.
It’s common for family members with PKD to have shared experiences, but no one could have predicted that brothers Justin and Josh would end up having kidney transplants, at the same hospital, within days of each other.
Grossly enlarged kidneys are common for many people with PKD, often leading to severe pain, infection and even mobility problems. Kayla, a 38 year old teaching assistant, wife and mum tells the story of having surgery to remove kidneys that weighed the equivalent of several bags of sugar, plus her hopes for a new future thanks to her selfless sister.
Receiving a new kidney is the dream of anyone living with kidney failure, yet for some, the dream can become a nightmare. Here, 55 year old mum of two, Helen, bravely tells the story of her painful journey with polycystic kidney disease that has left her battle scarred, but not without fight.
Martin Cunningham considers himself to be a lucky man! Despite facing PKD, kidney failure, a kidney transplant, cancer, and more recently major surgery for the removal of a brain tumour, his unending positivity is an inspiration to us all.
Identical twins Sonia and Susana, share their story of living with PKD and the Facebook post that led to receiving the greatest gift of all!
Meet Mark, transplant recipient, PKD Charity fundraiser and volunteer, who discovered a love of running that not only gave him a new lease of life but also led to him becoming a British Transplant Games medalist.
Pat Wilson is an Honorary Professor at University College, London (UCL) in the Department of Renal Medicine. She also chairs the PKD Charity Research Advisory Board and recently became a trustee of PKD Charity.