The Woodward News

Local News

September 11, 2012

Walk for PKD awareness coming up in OKC

Brandi Thomas Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder that currently has no cure or treatments available. It affects 600,000 people nationwide and many don't even know they have the disease.

According to the PKD foundation, PKD is the most common life threatening genetic disease, affecting more people than Down Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy and Sickle Cell Anemia combined. The PKD Foundation says 12.5 million people worldwide are estimated to have the disease.

That is why on Saturday, Oct. 13, the Oklahoma PKD Foundation chapter will be holding a walk to raise awareness at Lake Hefner - Stars and Stripes Pavilion in Oklahoma City.

Fundraising for this event has started and Woodward resident and PKD patient Elise Solloway  is spreading the word to bring more awareness about the disease.

Solloway was diagnosed in 2004 after her sister, Katherine, had a biopsy done on a lump on her side.

"The doctor told her that her liver was enlarged and was covered in cysts and after further review the cysts were also on her kidneys," Solloway said.

Since it is a genetic disease, Solloway was told that she would have a 50/50 chance of having the disease as well.

"After having lab work and an ultra sound done I was told I had PKD," Solloway said.

Common PKD symptoms include: high blood pressure; constant or intermittent pain in the back and side of stomach; blood in urine; kidney stones; frequent urinary tract infections; family history of kidney problems; heart problems and stroke.

Since being diagnosed, the sisters have been pivotal in bringing awareness about this disease to the public.

"We are both involved in medical studies in both Kansas City and Wichita so that the pharmaceutical companies can learn what medications will help end or delay PKD," Solloway said.

According to the PKD foundation the only treatment options available at this time are dialysis or kidney transplant.

Walk for PKD

Solloway is the team captain for the Northwest Okies who will be walking in Oklahoma City on Oct. 13.

"Right now we have 4 people in the Woodward area on our team and I'm still trying to reach people that have helped us in the past," Solloway said.

At the walk there will be music, kids activities, live and silent auctions, food and fun.

Along with the walk, one of the main fundraisers for the PKD Foundation this year is an autographed basketball and photos of OKC Thunder and Team USA gold medalists Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

"Tickets for the basketball and photos are available at local retailers in Woodward and the drawing will be held during the walk on Oct. 13," Solloway said.

"Our goal is to raise $30,000 this year," she said.

You can get tickets at Competition Sports, Gardner Music, Just Beyond the Door, Razien Metals Company, Cowboy Tack Shop, The Gazebo, Persimmon Creek and Sally's Frames and Things.

The winner will be contacted and you do not have to be present at the walk to win, according to Solloway.

Locally Mayor Roscoe Hill has proclaimed the week of Oct. 8 to Oct. 14 to be "Polycystic Kidney Awareness Week".

"I have been asked by the mayor to present this during the first city council meeting in October," Solloway said.

For more information on PKD visit the PKD Foundation website at www.pkdcure.org.

People are encouraged to sign up for the walk on Oct. 13, but if they are unable to attend this event but would still like to donate they can take their donations to Razien Metals or contact Elise Solloway at 580-254-4722.

For more information on the walk you can contact Solloway or visit the Oklahoma Walk website at www.walkforpkdcure.org/Oklahoma or friend them on Facebook, pkdoklachapter.

Text Only
Local News
  • Infrared camera can help with safety

    Ever since Spencer Albracht can remember, he has been taking things apart, curious about just what made them work.
    "Back then, when I was a kid, I mostly couldn’t get them put back together,” Albracht joked.

    June 16, 2013

  • Celebrating with American Cancer Society

    Teams at this year's Relay for Life in Woodward had a party.
    A birthday party that is, as they celebrated the 100th anniversary of the American Cancer Society (ACS).  They also celebrated how ACS seeks to help all cancer patients celebrate more birthdays.
    So during Friday night's Relay birthday party, the guests of honor were, as they are every year, the many local cancer survivors.
    The News visited with just a few of these brave battlers who shared stories about their individual journeys to overcome cancer.

    June 16, 2013

  • Commission to take up contracts

    Approval of the annual contract with the Woodward Industrial Foundation is one of the major topics Woodward City Commissioners will discuss in their regular meeting on Monday.

    June 16, 2013

  • 6 arrested on felony methamphetamine charges

    A single search warrant recently led to the arrest of 6 people on serious drug charges including intent to distribute and endeavoring to manufacture methamphetamine.

    June 16, 2013

  • Students to benefit from bond issue

    Days after the Sharon-Mutual Bond Issue passed, school officials are still celebrating on the inside, said Jeff Thompson, Sharon-Mutual superintendent.

    June 16, 2013

  • School board hires BWA Architects

    While the actual size of a bond issue proposal for the Woodward School District is still being determined, there is an architectural firm on board to go along with the already-hired construction manager Joe D. Hall.

    June 15, 2013

  • Back to School Bash coming up at Living Word

    It all started with just two women who wanted to ease the pressures associated with preparing to send children back to school in the fall.

    June 14, 2013

  • Meeting focuses on early childhood development

    What do a university dean, a bank president, a former business manager, a school board member, a city official, an executive director of a youth services agency, and a state legislator have in common?

    June 14, 2013

  • Patterson preparing for national contest

    She wants to be the rodeo queen who makes time for people and remembers where she came from.

    June 14, 2013

  • Western Plains holding school supplies drive

    It may be only June, but Western Plains Youth and Family Services is already getting prepared for the next school year.

    June 13, 2013