CHICAGO, Jan. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Just one month until NephCure Kidney International's Chicago fundraising gala. This inaugural event will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016 from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM at Architectural Artifacts, Inc., 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL.
The event, themed "Crusade for a Cure" will bring together the most generous heroes of Chicago to raise money for research and finding a cure to the debilitating chronic kidney diseases Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).
Chicago natives Alap Patel and Amanda Schackart are co-chairing this event. "When Amanda first started having health issues, it felt like the world around us was crumbling. We didn't know what was happening, and we didn't know what to expect. Not knowing was the worst," says Al. "When she was actually diagnosed with FSGS, our instant reaction was to learn as much as we can about the disease. The problem, we soon realized, is that so little is actually known about it. We soon learned about NephCure, and started attending their events and seminars. We found them incredibly invaluable, but it wasn't enough.
"This is why Amanda and I are co-chairing this committee for the inaugural Crusade for a Cure Gala, here in Chicago. More research needs to be done on FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome. More people need to be aware of these issues, and the impact it has on millions of families across the US. We want to build a community where families affected by these issues can know more and learn more from each other. We want to support a network of doctors who can discover more. We need more, we want more, and we want to give more.
Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS are conditions that affect the tiny filtering mechanisms in the kidneys. The cause of Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS is not known, it can affect anyone, and there is no cure. FSGS is a leading cause of kidney failure in children.
"We are thrilled to finally bring this fundraiser to Chicago," said Jayne Drew, Director for NephCure Kidney International. "The gala is in its 12th year in New York City and has raised more than $6 million. We believe we can have just as great of an impact here in Chicago.
It is estimated that kidney disease affects 31 million people in the United States alone, with African Americans being 3 times more likely to experience kidney failure. Last year, 90,000 Americans were killed by kidney disease, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer. Some doctors believe kidney disease of this nature might be the next epidemic of our generation.
About NephCure Kidney International
NephCure Kidney International (NKI) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity established in 1999. Comprised of patients, their families and friends, researchers, physicians and other healthcare professionals, NKI is the only organization committed exclusively to supporting research to identify the cause, improve the treatment, and find the cure of the potentially debilitating kidney diseases that cause Primary Nephrotic Syndrome, including Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).
Media Contact: Jayne Drew
[email protected]
267-261-4918
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160120/324443
SOURCE NephCure Kidney International
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