Recuperation journey: PKD Awareness Day

I received an email this morning that reminded me today is PKD Awareness Day, so of course I had to post about it.

Polycystic Kidney Disease is a genetic, life-threatening illness that affects about 600,000 Americans. There is currently no cure.

I inherited PKD from my father's side of the family. I've named the disease "the curse of the McDonalds."

In addition to my father, four of his siblings and many of my cousins have suffered with PKD.

A cousin and a first cousin once removed have had successful transplants, and since May I've become part of that exclusive family club.

I was extremely fortunate on May 9 to have received a kidney from an altruistic donor and lovely person, Robin Gilmartin.

As I've said more than a thousand times, I can't thank her enough!