Sisterhood of Angel Mama’s Magazine Issue 01 | September 4, 2020
PKD Awareness Day / Eric Jr & Cameron Turner
Written & Photo by Marquila Turner
PKD Awareness Day, a day to educate and inspire about PKD.
Marquila’s Story
My sons Eric Jr & Cameron Turner was diagnosed with Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD) during my pregnancy and died a couple hours after birth. They had enlarged kidneys, low to none abdominal fluid, lungs not fully developed and Eric Jr had a enlarged heart. After finding out about ARPKD, I immediately gotten involved to raise awareness for my sons and for other women and families who lost their baby from this disease by walking at the PKD Foundation – Austin Chapter and joining PKD Foundation – North Texas Chapter, fundraising and sharing my story. No other parent should have to go through what I have been through. If there’s a chance to find a cure, I’m going to continue to help. PKD has to END.
What is ARPKD?
Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD) is a rare genetic disorder occurring in approximately 1 in 20,000 children. It affects boys and girls equally and can cause death in the first month of life. If a child with ARPKD survives the newborn period, the chances of survival are good. For these children, approximately one-third will need dialysis or transplantation by the age of 10.
What causes ARPKD?
ARPKD is caused by a mutation in chromosome 6 (PKHD1 gene). In recessive disorders such as ARPKD, the child must inherit a copy of the PKHD1 gene from each parent.
How is ARPKD Diagnosed?
Prenatal ultrasounds, prenatal genetic testing, and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) can be used to diagnose ARPKD.
What are the symptoms of ARPKD?
There are prenatal symptoms and symptoms immediately after birth. In most cases, children with ARPKD have a progressive loss of kidney function.
How can you get involved?
Joining your local PKD Foundation Chapter Raising awareness on social media
Participating in the annual Walk for PKD
Start a fundraiser or donate to your local chapter Supporting a friend or family who have lost a loved one to PKD or is living with PKD.
Why support the PKD Foundation?
To help find better treatments and cure so no other child or adult have to suffer or die from PKD. When we support, educate and inspire, we can save a life.
Join us as we raise awareness to END PKD.
Visit the PKD website for more information.