First Year Events and NY Walk Kickoff ‘Season of Success’ September 26, 2019 by Kylie Karley This past weekend kicked off NephCure’s successful ‘fundraising season’ with two first-year events, Rocky Mountain Pig Jig and Philadelphia Countdown to a Cure, as well as an outstanding New York Walk. Combined, the three events raised roughly $115,000to support our mission of finding better care and new treatments for those battling rare protein-spilling kidney diseases, like Nephrotic Syndrome. The Dolena sisters; Violet, Charlotte, Josie On Thursday, September 19, the Inn at Villanova in Wayne, PA transformed into the 2019 Philadelphia Countdown to a Cure. The tables were set, auction items displayed, and dinner was served. Over 80 guests showed up to the evening dedicated to funding research and finding a cure for our community battling rare kidney diseases. “This is the first time we’re honoring those specifically in the medical field, I think that’s very special,” Deb Pollock, NephCure’s National Director of Advancement said. “It was heartwarming to see how involved and invested each physician, researcher, and medical professional, who attended Countdown, was.” Lou Antosh (L), Dr. Lawrence Holzman, Josh Tarnoff (R) One of NephCure’s original co-founders, Lou Antosh, proudly took to the podium to explain the history and significance the organization plays in patients and physician’s worlds alike. He went into great detail, making sure the crowd thoroughly understood the dedication and work Dr. Lawrence Holzman, the 2019 Philadelphia Countdown to a Cure Honoree, has put into figuring out what exactly the disease is. Just days after, on September 21st, over 1,700 miles away in Colorado Springs, CO, another first-year event was underway: the Rocky Mountain Pig Jig. A simply beautiful afternoon to invite hundreds of people out for the day comprised of live music, dancing, games, prizes, and a BBQ competition. “From the moment you stepped foot into the parking lot, the overwhelming and delicious smells from the BBQs surrounded you. I was there at 8am and even then, I thought ‘Wow, I’m already hungry!’” Pollock recalled. BBQ competitors perfect their recipes With the BBQ smell wafting throughout UCHealth Park, the live music billowed throughout the stadium. Several bounce houses, cornhole boards, and craft tables resembled paradise for the children at Rocky Mountain Pig Jig. While their parents lingered around their version of paradise– the beer garden. The event not only welcomed those from Colorado Springs, but also those from neighboring states and even across the country. Meanwhile in New York, on the very same day, nine teams helped raise more than $40,000 for our organization at the region’s walk held in East Meadow, NY. Dozens of volunteers, patients,and their families rallied together to share their personal stories and walk side by side for a cause that affects their loved ones. Several teams gather for the 2019 NY Walk Our regional leader, Marlene Botta, accepted an Emerging Leader Award from the New York State Assembly on the behalf of her daughter, Jackie. Marlene and other NY Walk committee members put in an immense amount of work to organize a fantastic event for those affected by rare kidney diseases. The combined $115,000 raised for NephCure’s mission of finding better care and new treatments for those battling rare forms of kidney disease could not have come at a more crucial time. After decades of work, the hope of new therapies is now very near. We have the rare opportunity to bring the first treatments ever for Nephrotic Syndrome into the hands of patients in the next several years. Thank you for all who attended the 2019 Philadelphia Countdown to a Cure, Rocky Mountain Pig Jig, and New York Walk. Upcoming NephCure events include Silicon Valley Pig Jig and New Jersey Countdown to a Cure, to find more events in your area visit give.nephcure.org.