Your PKD Stories
Sherry Beckemeyer
My name is Sherry Beckemeyer and I was diagnosed with PKD in 1994. My father lost both kidneys to PKD and lived 10 long years on dialysis. I never knew my father until we got the call that he may not make it. unfortunately, there was
nothing I could do to help, as I would have PKD also. I kept my diagnosis quiet and never learned anything about this disease until my son start having problems and was diagnosed with PKD as well. I have dealt with alot of guilt for having passed this on to my son and my grandaughter. After having gone to a Chicago PKD walk, I learned I was not alone. In 2005 I started the Central IL Chapter. I knew there had to be others like me who needed support, no one should have to deal with this alone. I fight for my family and friends with PKD. I hope no one will ever have to feel the full effects of this disease. I fight for hope, for education, and a cure for this disease.
Peggy Taylor
My name is Peggy Taylor and PKD has changed my life. If has affected me, my daughter and my son. I was diagnosed with PKD in 2002, so it was late in life for me. after that, both of my childeren were
tested. That is when the
nightmare started for me, the devastation of knowing I had passed this gene on to my children. My doctor believes I am probably the start of a mutation, as I have no family history of PKD. I have two grandaughters who are also at risk of developing this disease. For the past 3 years I have been the Walk Coordinator for the Central IL Chapter of the PKD Foundation. As the walk coordinator I have met some very courageous people who also battle this disease and some who have defeated it by transplant. I do not wish this disease on anyone, but with the help of my PKD family we can change this terrible disease. My hope is for a cure or treatment that will someday slow or correct this gene before it can run it's course.
Angela Marsh
My name is Angela Marsh and PKD has affected my family for generations. I have lost my grandfather and an aunt to PKD. I have cousins who also have the disease and my mother, who after 4 years of dialysis has finally gotten a transplant. I was diagnosed with PKD in 2010, which was quite devestating after having previously been told by a doctor I would never have it. At the time I was also being tested to be my mother's donor. With no chance of being a donor and the worry that my children will inherit this disease, I wanted to learn more about PKD. I came across the Central IL Chapter and went to my first Walk For PKD. I have been every year since and have also gotten involved in the golf outing. I have met so many wonderful people on this journey. It has meant so much to me just knowing that I am not alone. By supporting eachother and working together to raise awareness, I hope one day a cure will be found!
Mike Windish
I had always known PKD was on my mother's side of the family. She never showed any syptoms, so I didn't think it would be an issue in my life. In Spring 2007, I went to Proctor 1st Care with the flu. My blood
pressure was very high and it was suggested that I follow up with my physician. After the follow up visit I recieved a call that I needed to go to the hospital, I was in stage 4 renal failure. Following an ultrasound, I was told by the Nephrologist that I had PKD and would need a transplant or dialysis. So then began the process of being tested to be eligle for a transplant, as well as the testing of family members to donate. In March 2008 a family friend, Joan (who I had never met), stepped forward and was determined a good donor match. The transplant took place that June at the Mayo Clinic. I am a farmer and with harvest approaching I slowly began working again. By September I was able to do all the things I did before the transplant. I am very thankful to Joan and glad she is healthy. There will always be a special place in my heart for her.
