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Polycystic Kidney Disease
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What is PKD?

PKD, (Polycystic Kidney Disease) is the most common genetic, life threatening disease affecting more than 600,000 Americans and an estimated 12.5 million people worldwide - regardless of sex, age, race or ethnic origin. In fact, PKD affects more people than cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, Down syndrome and sickle cell anemia — combined.

Polycystic means multiple cysts. In affect, PKD denotes multiple cysts on each kidney. These cysts grow and multiply over time, also causing the mass of the kidney to increase. Ultimately, the diseased kidney shuts down causing end-stage renal disease for which dialysis and transplantation are the only forms of treatment.

    
                                                   This is Matt telling Butch Owens Of the Stamps Quartet he wants to drive their bus.

PKD comes in two forms. Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is the most common, affecting 1-in-400 to 1-in-500 adults. Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD) is far less common, affecting 1-in-10,000 at a far younger age, including newborns, infants and children.

How has PKD affected my life?

At the age of 2 months our oldest son spent 10 days at Rainbow Children's & Babies' Hospital, Cleveland University, and was diagnosed with ARPKD. There are now trips to Cleveland every  month for check-ups and lab work.

Since kidney function effects all other bodily functions, there are repercussions to the heart, liver, and digestive system. Matt is on blood pressure medication, he gets weekly injections of Procrit for red blood cells. Another bi-product of PKD is weaker bones. In 2001, Matt had a broken tibia that would not heal for 6 months, requiring bone graft surgery to correct.  

Eventually, barring a miracle from GOD, he will have kidney failure and require a transplant.  Both my wife and I  are  equally matched donors so Matt will never require dialysis. 

How am I going to help?

The PKD Foundation is the only organization, worldwide, devoted to improving clinical treatment and discovering a cure for PKD. I have been in contact with the world headquarters, and local chapters of the PKD support group to organize fund-raising concerts. We are in the planning stages of that effort.

Although it is too late for my son to benefit from a cure, it is never too late to help those to come.  For that reason, I will have a donation jar at every concert TCB and I perform. I hope you will help my efforts by coming to see us as much as possible, and giving as you see are able. To donate directly to the PKD Foundation please click on their link for donation information.

 

June 23, 2006

This is the day that changed Matt's life forever. Matt received his mother's kidney on this date. We are forever grateful to GOD for allowing the transplant procedure to go smoothly. Of course, the doctors at University Hospitals Cleveland are tops in their field. 

Below are a couple photos we would like to share with you.

Terri and Matt opening pre-op gifts from friends	A mother's love. Terri visits Matt, son Walt and mom Jeannine in background. Jeannine was by Terri's side through it all.	A son's appreciation. Matt visits his mom
Matt with Dr. Davis. They go way back to when Matt was 2 months old. His blood pressure was 180/100 as an infant	Terri with Dr. Sinabria. He is the surgeon who extracted Terri's kidney.	Matt with Dr. Schulak. He is the surgeon who transplanted Matt's new kidney.
Matt and Walt playing PSP's at the end of the hall	Friends and family were always there for comfort. Thank you for coming to visit.	Grandma and Grandpa Sanders are happy to see all is going well
Dr. Brian. Thank you for making our stay endurable.	Matt with cousin Mitzi Briehl. Mitzi actually works at University Hospitals	Matt and Dad, a couple of Super Dudes!

  

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