Beth Skorupski

Walk for PKD Ambassador

PKD has affected my family for at least three generations. As a few of my older cousins began to experience kidney failure due to PKD, my four sisters and I were tested and three of us were diagnosed with the disease. I was in my late thirties at the time and began a yearly check with a highly regarded nephrologist. I had no symptoms, no high blood pressure, and no pain for nearly twenty years. In my mid-fifties, I developed anemia and some loss of appetite therefore weight loss but no pain or high blood pressure. When my kidney function declined to the point of needing a transplant, I first had a nephrectomy of my right kidney (to make room for the transplanted kidney) and received several weeks of dialysis while healing. On September 7, 2011 I was blessed to receive my selfless, loving sister’s kidney and continue to feel great today!
Now that I’m retired from teaching and my children are on their own, I’m excited to be able to give my time to the PKD Foundation with the Detroit Walk. With our support, the Foundation will continue with breakthrough research and discover better treatments and one day a cure for PKD! Looking forward to seeing you at the Walk!