PKD Awareness Week: Together, We Can Build Understanding
Join us from 4–11 September as we raise awareness of polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
By sharing facts, stories and experiences of ADPKD and ARPKD, we can raise awareness, improve support, and help drive research towards better treatments and, one day, a cure.
On 4 September, the global PKD community comes together for PKD Awareness Day—the perfect time to raise our voices.
PKD affects around 12 million people worldwide and can touch anyone, at any age. Yet while it brings challenges, many people with PKD are raising families, building careers, travelling, fundraising, achieving personal goals and making a difference.
Together, we can build understanding and create change.
How Can You Help?
Start small, make a big impact. Here are simple ways to get involved: Download and share our Awareness Week graphics to help spread the word.
Click any image to open the full-size version, then save it to your device.
Facebook Profile Picture
Update your Facebook profile picture during PKD Awareness Week to help spread awareness.
Facebook Cover Photo
Download this banner and use it as your Facebook cover photo during PKD Awareness Week.
X Profile Banner
Show your support by updating your X profile banner during PKD Awareness Week.
10 Features of PKD Infographic
Share this infographic on social media to help raise awareness of polycystic kidney disease.
Share your PKD story
Every PKD journey is different. By sharing yours, you can help others feel less alone and help more people understand what it’s really like to live with PKD.
You can write your story or record a short video. Whether you share a few words about your PKD journey, offer advice to others, or talk about something you wish people understood, your voice matters. You don’t need to create something polished — we simply want to hear your experience in your own words.
Share your story with us
Submit your written story or upload your video
Need an idea to get started? You could talk about:
- What is one thing you wish people understood about living with PKD?
- What advice would you give someone who has just been diagnosed with PKD?
- What does a “good day” look like for you in your PKD journey?
Quick video tips (You don’t need special equipment — just your phone and somewhere comfortable!)
- Film horizontally (landscape) if possible, as this works best for website videos.
- Prop your phone on a stable surface to keep it steady.
- Sit facing a window so your face is well lit.
- Choose a quiet place where your voice can be heard clearly.
Don’t worry about making it perfect — your story matters.
Take Part in the PKD Fun 5K
On Saturday 5 September, our PKD family and friends will come together across the UK to mark PKD Awareness Week – in parks, on beaches, at parkruns, or even on treadmills at home. Walk, jog, run or simply cheer others on – every step shows support for everyone affected by PKD.
Take part wherever suits you, or join your local parkrun – free, welcoming to all ages and abilities, and held in hundreds of locations nationwide every Saturday at 9am.
See where others are taking part on our interactive map, or add your own location and inspire others to join in.
Want to do something different?
Hold a coffee morning, organise a bake sale, take on a challenge like a skydive, or create your own fundraiser. Big or small, every activity helps raise awareness, build understanding and support people affected by PKD.
Need inspiration? Discover ways to support us
Don't forget to:
- 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.
- Tag @pkdcharity in all your social posts
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.
- Hits: 1534