April 2025 Newsletter
A Swing Toward Hope:
$100K+ Raised at Charity Classic
We are humbled to announce that the June 2nd Thomas Gamble St. Thomas Charity Classic on Long Island raised $107,000 for PKD-Free Alliance. This funding will directly support our PKD-Free Babies initiative.
Brothers Michael and Christopher Cavallaro shared their family's extensive journey with PKD at the event, and PKD-Free Alliance Founder, Richard Kellner, took to the podium to share ways attendees could positively impact generational health at home and in the workplace.
Over $14K of the overall event proceeds were raised via the silent auction, which featured one-of-a-kind items including a signed Don Mattingly baseball pictured below. Thank you to all those who bid online and in person.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to all the event planners, participants, and donors, as well as to ARC Excess & Surplus Headquarters, its CEO Michael Cavallaro, and the Cavallaro family for their ongoing support of our mission to create a PKD-free future.
PKD-Free Family Appears on ABC Affiliate in Michigan
Michigan resident and new mom Caitlin Cronan described to ABC affiliate WZZM13 how she overcame a 50% risk of passing on PKD to her child. She and her husband, Matthew, chose to use IVF with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-M) for her pregnancy, resulting in the birth of a healthy, PKD-free daughter who adorably snoozed throughout the news segment.
Her story shines a light on the important role of genetic testing, coupled with life-changing reproductive technology and dedicated medical care, in offering hope to families facing similar hereditary challenges.
The segment also included insights from nephrologist Dr. Heedeok Han, MD, regarding the health risks of PKD and overall disease management. You can read more about Dr. Han in the next section of this newsletter.
Visit our website to learn more about grant funding for IVF and PGT-M.
PKD Expert Spreads Awareness on SiriusXM
Doctor Radio’s Primary Care Medicine on SiriusXM is a trusted, clinician-led show that brings together top medical experts to share real-world insights, cutting-edge science, and patient-centered care stories for a national audience.
In a powerful and enlightening segment earlier this month, hosts Dr. Marina Kurian, Clinical Professor of Surgery at NYU Langone, and Registered Dietitian Rachel Lustgarten welcomed Dr. Heedeok Han, MD, Clinical Director of Columbia University’s Irving Medical Center Polycystic Kidney Disease Center, a designated PKD Foundation Center of Excellence.
Dr. Han shared insights from his remarkable career dedicated to improving outcomes for PKD patients and families. In addition to explaining what PKD is, how it manifests across generations, and why early detection and specialized care are crucial, he discussed PGT-M, IVF, and the transformative work of the PKD-Free Alliance which has resulted in the birth of 14 PKD-free babies to date.
PKD Research Roundup
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor antagonists have received mainstream media attention for their role in weight loss management. A newly published article in BMC Nephrology explores the potential for this drug class to slow disease progression in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients.
ADPKD patients face a higher prevalence of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) compared to non-affected individuals. Screening and management of IAs in those affected by ADPKD are covered in the latest issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
A recent subscription-based article in New Scientist outlines how animal studies suggest potential efficacy for CRISPR therapy in PKD patients.
