Mark your calendars, because the first fall Walk for PKD event is just two months away. This year, 54 Walk for PKD events will take place across the country with a goal of raising $2,000,000 for PKD research.

The family-friendly events are the largest gathering of PKD patients, families, and supporters in communities across the country and feature activities for participants of all ages. Children 12 and younger can participate in the Penny Kids Dash, a short fun run that is part of the Walk event. Young participants can also fundraise for the Walk with kid-friendly fundraisers such as penny wars, lemonade stands, car washes, and school penny drives.

Why sign up

As the signature fundraising event for the PKD Foundation, Walk events have raised close to $32 million dollars for PKD research since 2000 with 100% of all donations funding lifesaving PKD research. Each Walk for PKD event is organized and managed by volunteers on a local level. Walk participants and volunteers benefit from sharing similar experiences, comparing information, and receiving genuine validation and understanding from those who are navigating a similar journey.

“Attending a Walk for PKD event is an opportunity to connect with the community, enjoy the fellowship of others impacted by a PKD diagnosis, and to help raise critical funds for PKD research,” says Sue Full, Director of Community Fundraising.

Build a team now

Signing up for a Walk for PKD event is easy. Simply register and show up the day of the walk. Remember, the event is always more fun accompanied by friends and family, so don’t forget to designate a team captain to spearhead recruitment and fundraising efforts. Find more fundraising ideas here.

Participation in a Walk is a great way to share your personal PKD story and demonstrate why supporting the PKD Foundation is important to you. Walks in the community also provide greater awareness of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and provide multiple venues for community engagement across the country.

“People are moved to help when you make it personal and show them the need,” Sue says. “Most are grateful to have the opportunity to help when they understand how your life is affected by PKD. I hear many stories of people being overwhelmed by other’s generosity, but you’ll never know until you ask.”

Get others involved

To find a Walk for PKD event near you, visit walkforpkd.org and register today. Let friends, family, and co-workers know about your commitment to ending PKD by tagging photos and comments using the hashtags #WalkforPKD and #EndPKD on social media. If there’s not currently a Walk for PKD event in your community, you can join a Virtual Walk and still fundraise for PKD. To get started, email us at walkforpkd@pkdcure.org.