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Levine succeeds NephCure co-founder Irving Smokler in the position
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. (June 15, 2021) — NephCure Kidney International (NephCure) announced today the election of longtime volunteer and board member Michael Levine as the new Board of Directors President. Levine, who joined NephCure’s Board of Directors in 2009, succeeds Irving Smokler, NephCure’s co-founder who has been with the organization since its inception in 2000. NephCure is one of the only organizations dedicated to finding better treatments and a cure for Nephrotic Syndrome and other rare, protein-spilling kidney diseases.
“I’m beyond proud of all we have accomplished over the past 21 years,” said Smokler. “We’ve gone from knowing relatively nothing about Nephrotic Syndrome and FSGS to now a much better understanding of genetic causes and pathways, and we’re likely only a couple years away from having our first approved therapies. Some of this is due to the $40 million we’ve raised for research. It’s been a pleasure to be a part of this organization’s creation and success. I am confident in our future and in Michael’s leadership and passion for NephCure’s mission.”
Levine has a special connection to NephCure — his son, Matthew, was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in 2006, when he was only 2 years old. Shortly after Matthew’s diagnosis, Levine and his wife, Dana, joined NephCure in the pursuit of support and information.
Before long, Levine became a dedicated volunteer, later advancing to the Board of Directors’ Executive Committee, which he’s served on since 2009. Levine takes a leading role in planning and running both Countdown to a Cure New York, NephCure’s largest annual fundraising event, and the yearly All In for a Cure golf tournament and banquet. These events have helped raise millions of dollars to support NephCure’s mission of saving kidneys and saving lives.
Professionally, Levine has served as the president of L&L Painting for more than 14 years. The New York native’s deep passion for charity and helping others has also led him to join the Board of The Curetivity Foundation and actively contribute to various other charitable organizations throughout his life.
“My mission has always been to help find a cure for all the warriors battling FSGS, Nephrotic Syndrome, and other chronic kidney diseases,” Levine said. “They are waiting for us to deliver a cure. We will not fail them under any circumstances — failure is not an option.”
About NephCure Kidney International
NephCure Kidney International’s mission is to accelerate research for effective treatments for rare forms of Nephrotic Syndrome, and to provide education and support that will improve the lives of those affected by these protein-spilling kidney diseases. 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 nearly 30 interventional drug trials for primary glomerular kidney diseases. NephCure is a U.S. tax exempt 501(c)(3) public charity.
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