NephCure, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to finding better treatments and a cure for rare kidney disease, is proud to announce the inaugural National APOL1 Kidney Disease Awareness Day on April 30th, 2024. The day is dedicated to raising awareness of APOL1 kidney disease, a genetic form of kidney disease that predominantly impacts people of African descent.
APOL1 kidney disease is caused by specific genetic variations, or changes, in the APOL1 gene, which can lead to a significantly higher risk of developing kidney disease. Individuals who inherit these gene variations have 10 to 30 times the risk of developing kidney disease, making it crucial to raise awareness and support those affected by this condition.
NephCure invites everyone to join in on the movement and help raise awareness for APOL1 kidney disease by supporting the following:
How you can help:
Share on Social Media: Spread the word by sharing your photos and posting the downloadable APOL1 kidney disease awareness graphics on social media. Remember to use the hashtag #HopeForAPOL1 and tag @NephCure.
Attend the APOL1 Day Virtual Town Hall: Join NephCure on April 30th at 7pm ET as they host an APOL1 Day Virtual Town Hall. Register for this FREE webinar where you can connect with leading APOL1 researchers, doctors, and individuals personally affected by APOL1 kidney disease.
Did you Know?
- 13% of African Americans carry APOL1 gene changes that can lead to APOL1 kidney disease.
- Of these individuals, 1 in 5 will develop APOL1 kidney disease.
- APOL1 kidney disease can impact individuals of all ages, including children and young adults, often progressing swiftly towards kidney failure.
- Unfortunately, there are currently no FDA-approved treatments specifically for APOL1 kidney disease.
- Approximately 40% of cases of kidney failure in those without diabetes are associated with APOL1 gene variations.
NephCure thanks Vertex Pharmaceuticals for their generous support in sponsoring this event and making APOL1 Kidney Disease Awareness Day possible.
For more information about APOL1 Awareness Day, please visit resources.nephcure.org/apol1
About NephCure:
NephCure’s mission is to empower people with rare, protein-spilling kidney disease to take charge of their health, while leading the revolution in research, new treatments, and care. Founded in 2000 by a group of committed patient parents, NephCure has invested more than $40 million in kidney disease research and helped create a landscape where there are now new treatments and more than 60 interventional drug trials for rare kidney diseases. NephCure is a U.S. tax exempt 501(c)(3) public charity.