*Formally 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 IVF funding to families to ensure a PKD-free future for generations.
Featured Story
“I didn’t want her to have to go through what he did.”
Callie and Marcus Payne talk about the steps they took to ensure their soon-to-be-born daughter will be free from Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) including IVF and genetic testing. As a dad-to-be with PKD, Marcus knew there was a 50% of passing it onto his child. He and Callie were determined to stop PKD in their generation.
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.
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.
Molly and Kristi
I call it a miracle that I am healthy today since I came close to needing dialysis.
The Patterson Family
On Halloween 2019 I received the call of a lifetime. It was my transplant coordinator from University of Utah telling me I was going to finally get a transplant from an anonymous donor named Sheryce.
Amy Leininger
I learned about my recipient’s kidney disease via Instagram and saw she was in serious need of a kidney donor.
Tim Francis
I was 24 years old when I found out I had Polycystic Kidney Disease. I went to the radiologist for a lump on my chest. As we were looking at the scans the radiologist said, “Can I show you something?
Scott MacLean
My father, my brother, and I all have Polycystic Kidney Disease. When I was diagnosed, I was told I had 5 years until I’d reach end stage kidney failure.
PKD-Free News & Events
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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
– In the News
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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
