The PKD Foundation, a non-profit 501(c) (3), 509 (a)(1) public charity, is the only organization worldwide solely devoted to programs of biomedical research, patient education, public awareness and advocacy focused on finding a treatment and cure for PKD and assuring no one suffers the full effects of PKD. PKD is one of the most common life-threatening genetic diseases affecting 1 in 500 individuals worldwide. The PKD Foundation was founded in 1982 and has its National Headquarters in Kansas City. Its mission is to promote programs of research, advocacy, education, support and awareness in order to discover treatments and a cure for Polycystic Kidney Disease and improve the lives of all it affects.