*Formerly known as the pkDO Foundation
Unite with us to ensure Generational Health and a PKD-Free Future
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic condition that affects 600,000 people in the U.S. It is one of the leading causes of kidney failure. An affected parent has a 50% chance of passing it to their child. The PKD-Free Alliance (PKD-Free) supports proven methods for putting an end to PKD.
We have a mission to provide funding to families to ensure a PKD-free future for generations.
Patty's Story: How Her Family Ended PKD
Living with Polycystic Kidney Disease had a big impact on Patty's life and her daughter's life too. Fortunately they found a solution to end it before it affected her granddaughter Juliana. Learn how they did it with support from PKD-Free Alliance, and how you can too.
Ending PKD in Your Family
PKD-Free is uniting families, the medical community and organizations to provide information and the necessary resources, including grants for IVF and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). We are committed to ensuring that PKD is not passed down to future generations. With proven methods, we will change the odds from 50% to 0%. Join us and learn more about how you can end PKD in your family.
PKD-Free News: PKD-Free Spokesmon Natasha Rogina was a guest on the Santa Barbara Nutrients Radio Show and Podcast. She shared important information about how families can have PKD-Free Children and PKD-Free’s grant programs.
1/21/26: Alliance Celebrates One Year Since Rebranding
Over the past twelve months, we focused our mission by prioritizing access to grant funding for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-M) and in vitro fertilization (IVF), so families impacted by polycystic kidney disease could stop the disease from being passed on to the next generation.
"Our team established meaningful connections with patients and providers, expanded outreach, and helped parents achieve their dreams of having healthy children free of the burden of PKD," said Alliance Founder Richard Kellner.
“It’s emotional, especially for us.”
Marcus and Callie Payne of Whitestown, Indiana, made a courageous decision to break the cycle of PKD that has affected generations of Marcus’s family. Through IVF with preimplantation genetic testing, they ensured their child wouldn’t inherit the disease that has required Marcus to undergo two kidney transplants.
Read About Affected Families
The Kellner Family
When we discovered my wife Jo had PKD, we were told there was nothing to do until her kidneys failed.
The Cavallaro Family
My family first discovered PKD more than 30 years ago, with my dad Phil Cavallaro.
The Meyer Family
My wife and I successfully went through the process of PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) and with a team of wonderful doctors we have our amazing son who is PKD free.
PKD-Free News & Events
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Mother of Alliance "Spokesmom" Shares PKD Family History in Heartfelt Blog Post
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Alliance "Spokesmom" and Husband Spread Education and Awareness
-In The News
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“I didn’t want her to have to go through what he did.”
-In The News
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PKD-Free Babies Family on WZZM ABC13 Michigan
- In The News
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Reduce the Risk of Passing on Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
- In the News
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![Screenshot of a news article from USA TODAY about Utah Jazz's NBA General Manager, Justin Zanik, who received a kidney transplant from a living donor a year ago, featuring a photo of team officials at a game.]()
NBA GM is savoring life one year after kidney transplant from living donor
- In the News
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![Headline about Utah Jazz general manager Justin Zanik reflecting on his kidney transplant, with a photo of Justin Zanik smiling and wearing glasses at a press conference.]()
"I Get up Every Day Feeling Grateful" Utah Jazz GM Justin Zanik Reflects on Kidney Transplant
- In the News
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![Split-screen image of two women in a virtual interview. The woman on the left holds a card with 'The Donna Drake Show' text, while the woman on the right appears to be speaking enthusiastically. The background on the left includes a brick wall and a trophy.]()
Natasha Rogina Chief Spokes-Mom Appeared on the Donna Drake Show
- In the News
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![Smiling man with a beard and dark hair, wearing a dark jacket in an indoor setting.]()
LI group helps prevent genetic kidney disease from reaching next generation
- In the News
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![Job posting ad for Chief Implementation and Operations Officer in the PKD-Free Alliance. Includes a family photo with two women and a baby, set outdoors. Background features a nature setting.]()
Leadership Opportunity with PKD-Free
- Chief Innovation & Operations Officer (CIOO) - Remote
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![News anchors at a studio desk with "News 10 ABC" sign in background, two women engaged in conversation, each with a tablet.]()
PKD-Free Family on ABC News10 Albany
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![Webinar banner titled 'Building a PKD-Free Future' for Kidney Awareness Month, featuring logos of pkDO (Polycystic Kidney Disease Outreach) and Columbia.]()
New! PKD-Free and Columbia University Fertility Center: Building a PKD-Free Future
– Webinar
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![Doctors in surgical attire discussing a "PKD Free Babies Initiative" to stop genetic kidney disease, as shown on Fox 13 News, Utah.]()
Fox13 in Salt Lake City UT Reports on PKD-Free's Local PKD-Free Babies Initiative
- In the News
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![Man smiling, wearing a dark sweater and collared shirt. Background is blurred.]()
LI group helps prevent genetic kidney disease from reaching next generation
- In The News
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![Woman in a blue dress giving a presentation on "Living with PKD: Diet and Nutrition is the Key" with bookshelves and framed certificates in the background.]()
Living with PKD: Diet and Nutrition is the Key
-In The News
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![A man in a light-colored shirt stands at a microphone, with text that reads "SPEAK" and "Richard Kellner" on a blue background, and a subtitle "Resilience – Transforming Loss into Legacy."]()
From Heartache to Hope
– In The News
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![A baby dressed in a blue outfit lies on a colorful crocheted blanket inside a crib. A teddy bear and a felt letter board with the message "YOU PKD OUTREACH" are positioned near the baby.]()
PKD-Free’s ‘100 PKD-Free Babies’ Program Sees First Successful Births
– In The News
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