PKD Awareness Week: Speak Out, Step Up, Make a Difference
Join us in bringing much-needed attention to polycystic kidney disease (PKD), 1-7 September.
This week shines a light on PKD, supports families, and pushes for better treatments and, one day, a cure. By sharing facts, patient stories, and stats about ADPKD and ARPKD, we can help improve diagnosis, care, and support – while inspiring research and real change.
And on 4 September, the global PKD community comes together, making this the perfect moment to raise our voices.
PKD – the fourth leading cause of kidney failure – affects 12 million people worldwide, including around 70,000 in the UK. It can touch lives at any age, from babies and children to adults in their prime, often running through entire families. And yet, awareness is still too low, leaving many to face the physical and emotional toll of PKD without the right support.
At the same time, we’re showing that despite its hurdles, many with PKD live full lives — travelling, chasing passions, excelling in sports, and even building careers shaped by their journey.
Let’s change the conversation!
How Can You Help?
Start small, make a big impact. Here’s a simple way to get involved: update your social profile or cover image with our graphics.
How to use:
- Click on the image you like.
- Right-click to save it to your device.
- Set it as your profile picture or cover photo – you can make it temporary if you wish, just for Awareness Week!
- Know the Facts. Be PKD Aware – Learn about PKD (ADPKD and ARPKD). For the basics of the most common form – ADPKD – get our factsheet.
- Follow us on social media – look out for posts full of facts, stats and real-life stories: Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
- Spread the word – tag 5 friends (or more!) and share our posts. Every share counts.
- Take Part in the PKD Fun 5K — On Saturday 6 September, our supporters will step out across the UK – in parks, on beaches, at parkruns, or on treadmills at home. Join the wave of walkers, joggers and cheerers showing support for PKD. Find others on our map or get in touch to add your own spot!
- Give £5 for the 5K – Can’t take part in the PKD Fun 5K? You can still make an impact. Donate just £5 – that’s only £1 for each kilometre of the Fun 5K! Every donation helps those living with Polycystic Kidney Disease. Don’t forget to leave a message of encouragement for the participants!
- Add a leaf to our Celebration Tree – Honour a loved one, thank a doctor, or celebrate a donor. Pick a leaf, and add a message or photo. You can contribute for free, or donate if you wish.
- Share Your Story – Speak to us or your local media and help spread the word.
And don’t forget to tag us on your social channels!
• On Facebook, tag @pkdcharity
• On X, tag @pkdcharity
• On Instagram, tag @pkdcharity
Use the hashtags #PKDAwarenessWeek and #BePKDAware when you share!
Let’s flood social media with PKD awareness and make some noise!
If you would like to speak to us about what support we can offer you or a loved one, please visit PKD Support or contact us today and speak to a member of our team.
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