WHEREAS, the Tidewater Chapter of the PKD Foundation remains committed to helping find a cure for polycystic kidney disease while helping those afflicted with the disease; and

WHEREAS, a genetic disease, polycystic kidney disease, commonly referred to as PKD, affects approximately one in every 500 individuals and causes fluid-filled cysts to form on the kidneys, which, for many, leads to the decline of kidney function and eventually dialysis and a kidney transplant; and

WHEREAS, a rarer recessive version of PKD, which occurs in about one in every 20,000 persons, frequently results in infant death or the need for dialysis or kidney transplant by the age of 10; and

WHEREAS, in 1982, the PKD Foundation was formed to promote and fund programs of research, advocacy, education, support, and awareness of polycystic kidney disease; in 2009, the PKD Foundation gave $2 million to fund 32 projects; and

WHEREAS, local volunteer chapters, located throughout the United States, play a vital role in the fight to find treatment and a cure for polycystic kidney disease and provide ongoing support to those who face the effects of the disease; and

WHEREAS, the only volunteer chapter of the PKD Foundation based in Virginia, the Tidewater Chapter of the PKD Foundation participates in the PKD Foundation's signature event, a PKD walk in the local community; and

WHEREAS, the Tidewater Chapter of the PKD Foundation set a fundraising goal of $20,000 for its walk held on November 6, 2011, in Virginia Beach, the only Walk for PKD in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, businesses from as far away as Harrisonburg generously donated funds, prizes, materials, and publicity to support the walk; and

WHEREAS, the mile-long Tidewater Walk for PKD began at the 24th Street Park on Virginia Beach's oceanfront and featured a lunch, musical entertainment, a children's race, and information on PKD from a local nephrologist; and

WHEREAS, the Tidewater Walk for PKD drew participants from across the Commonwealth and nation and was a tremendous success, raising more than $20,000 and increasing awareness of PKD in the local community; and

WHEREAS, the Tidewater Chapter of the PKD Foundation will continue its work to help those with polycystic kidney disease and raise funds for research and treatment; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Tidewater Chapter of the PKD Foundation; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Tidewater Chapter of the PKD Foundation as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration and gratitude for the Chapter's ongoing commitment to helping those with polycystic kidney disease.