UH kidney disease walk raises funds

As the cool, breezy weather graced the morning atmosphere, participants and volunteers watched as Run “E” Nose, the mascot for RediClinic, snipped the glossy, blue start ribbon to kick off the “Walk for PKD” on Saturday.

More than 200 people attended. the event held at UH’s Lynn Eusen Park. Hosted by the Polycystic Kidney Disorder Foundation, the walk raised money for a cure for PKD and honored those who were lost to the disease, which builds hazardous cysts in the kidneys.

Teams contributed money to fund scientific research, which brings the organization one step closer to their goal of finding a cure. PKD Foundation Representative Kathy Bundrick was happy to see walkers and volunteers come out and help the organization reach new milestones.

“For sponsorship, we have The Methodist Hospital and MyFitFoods here supporting us,” said Bundrick.

“With the help of all 15 teams, we’ve been able to raise $30,000 for the cure so far.”

Many participants joined the event to remember a family member, relative, friend or loved one who struggled with PKD.

“My dad passed away due to PKD,” said McKinsey Ford, a graduate student of the UH College of Pharmacy. “It runs on his side of the family. I lost him four years ago on the 20th of this month.

“I may have it, but I don’t know yet. I decided not to get tested unless I decide to have kids. I’m just here to honor my dad.”

Steven Krauszer saw the PKD walk as a way to raise money for a cause and to honor the memory of his wife, whom he named his team after.

“My wife, JoAnn, suffered from PKD four years ago,” Krauszer said.

“I keep doing this in memory of her.”

Krauszer’s team raised $1,620, with an additional $1,520 he raised in donations.

Krauszer placed fifth in the category of donating teams and third in individual donations.

In addition to the walk, attendees were treated to live music from local band, “The Lost Boys,” and Fox 26 News traffic reporter Michelle Merhar served as a guest speaker.

“This year, the foundation has funded three times the amount of research than last year,” Merhar said in an opening speech for the walk. “This is the fight of our lives, and we’re ready for a knockout.”