FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2006
Back

Waugh Introduces PKD Awareness Month Resolution

Senator will help kick-off Walk for PKD on September 16th

HARRISBURG – Senator Mike Waugh (R-York) introduced Senate Resolution 340 today designating September 2006 as Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.

PKD is the most common life-threatening genetic disease, affecting nearly 600,000 Americans and a greater number of people than cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, Down's syndrome and Huntington's disease combined.

"Recently, a young York County woman by the name of Valen Sheriff shared with me information on PKD, as well as her own experience as one who has PKD and who at the age of 23 has already received a kidney transplant," said Waugh.

Sheriff is the Chapter Coordinator for the South Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the PKD Foundation.  Through her position she is coordinating her third Walk for PKD, which will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2006, at John Rudy Park.  Registration begins at 9:15am.

During the pre-walk kick-off ceremony Waugh will be announcing his resolution, which he hopes will not only bring about more awareness of PKD across the state but also amongst his colleagues in the legislature.

"It was because of Valen's story and my interest in learning more about the disease that prompted me to introduce this resolution," said Waugh.  "We all are very well aware of such things as heart disease and the many forms of cancer that afflict people, but PKD is not something we hear about everyday."

For more information on the disease, visit Senator Waugh's website to view both a Public Service Announcement, as well as a half hour television show with Sheriff as his guest.  Also, visit www.pkdcure.org/2006southcentralpawalk for more information on the Walk for PKD.

CONTACT:

Erin Kelly, Sen. Mike Waugh's Office (717) 787-3817
Valen Cover-Sheriff, South Central PA Chapter, PKD Foundation (717)324-3906