Published November 24, 2020 | It’s no secret that 2020 has been a challenging year for all of us. Despite its many ups and downs, there’s still a strong sense of thankfulness and gratitude within the PKD community. Walk Coordinator Michelle Hoffmann shares what she’s thankful for this year.

Kyle (left) with her mom, Michelle, and dad, Chris, at the virtual 2020 Walk for PKD.

Thankfulness in the PKD Community

“2020 has been a year like no other. From COVID-19 protocols – like social distancing, quarantining, wearing masks, constant hand washing, using hand sanitizer – to deaths as a result of this deadly virus. Despite this interruption in our daily lives, there are still many things to be thankful for this year.

• I’m thankful that no one in my family lost their job as a result of state-wide shutdowns. Everyone was working from home, but they were working.
• I’m thankful that no one in our family contracted COVID.
• I’m thankful that my husband’s emergency surgery to remove his native kidneys was in January instead of at the peak of COVID later in the spring.
• I’m thankful for the doctors and nurses who diligently took care of him during his stay at the hospital as well as during follow-up care.
• I’m thankful for the support and love from family and friends during this time.

This past week, my daughter, Kyle, was diagnosed with PKD. While we always knew there was the possibility that either she or her brother could have PKD, we were surprised. What’s to be thankful for this? Her PKD was diagnosed early so she can take advantage of the drugs available to slow down the progression of the disease. She also has her father as a guide as well as excellent doctors. This is one more reason to be involved in the PKD Foundation, both locally and nationally.”

Thankfulness in PKD Research

When it comes to PKD research, there’s much to be thankful for this year. Check out the advancements we’ve made in 2020 and Researcher Spotlights here.

We’re thankful for the passion, perseverance, and support the PKD community demonstrates every day.

Thankfulness at the PKD Foundation

Here at the PKD Foundation, we’re thankful that every day we have the opportunity to serve the PKD community. We’re also grateful for 38 years of progress toward our vision to #endPKD.

The Foundation wishes the PKD community a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Wish you could do more to accelerate PKD treatments? If you’ve been diagnosed with ADPKD, you may qualify for an ongoing clinical drug trial for the treatment of ADPKD. Learn more here. This post is sponsored by Sanofi Genzyme.