The Story of PKD Power

PKD Power was created in 2007 when I was Ms. Southwest US Crown Jewel. Its purpose is to not only raise awareness to PKD, but to also put a smile on the faces of people who have this horrible disease.

So how did I come about this idea?

Well, it was back in November 2004 when I was watching Entertainment Tonight (On 3TV, of course). My idol, my inspiration, and my favorite celebrity, Steven Cojocaru was announcing that he had been diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease and needed a kidney transplant. Unfortunately, the family wouldn't let me give him a kidney. So I watched as he found a donor, went through a successful transplant, contracted polyoma and had to have the kidney removed, found out his mother was a match, had another successful transplant, and is now back and better than ever on the red carpet.

Why is he my idol and inspiration? Because at the same time he was going through his drama, I was going through my own. I'd lost many friends, I was out of school, I was severely depressed and contemplated suicide on more than one occasion.

But watching his story play out on ET gave me the strength to live instead of ending it all, the confidence to believe I can come back from severe depression, and the power to want to make a difference. That's why PKD Power was born.

As of right now, I have built a network online, including a website, Myspace, Facebook group, Yahoo group and more. But I'd like to expand to a club at GCC and start sending out care packages.

I've also been designing and creating various promotional items, like bracelets, keychains, bookmarks, signs and the PKD Power Logo.

And that's just the beginning...stay tuned!

Denise