Reps. Cleaver, Graves Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Designate September as National Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Month

(Washington, D.C.) - This week, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Sam Graves (R-MO) introduced a resolution to designate September as "National Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Month", hoping to raise awareness and understanding of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) while calling for additional research to develop new treatments and ultimately a cure. Congressman Cleaver previously introduced the bipartisan resolution last year with fellow Missouri lawmaker Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO).

"With roughly 600,000 Americans impacted by PKD across the United States, and roughly fifty percent of those impacted experiencing kidney failure by age sixty, it is imperative that we take action to combat this vicious disease," said Congressman Cleaver. "On Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Day, I'm proud to join my friend Rep. Graves to introduce a resolution that will designate the entire month of September as National Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Month in the hopes of bringing attention and spurring additional research that can help find new treatments that will save lives."

"Polycystic kidney disease affects many Americans, but isn't often talked about," said Congressman Graves. "With additional research, we will be able to develop new treatments to help those diagnosed with PKD live a better, longer life, and hopefully a cure. I'm proud to join Rep. Cleaver to bring attention and awareness for all who are living with this devastating disease."

PKD is one of the most prevalent genetic kidney disorders in the United States, affecting approximately 600,000 Americans nationwide. With very few treatments and no cure for PKD, the disease is one of the four leading causes of kidney failures in the United States, with nearly fifty percent of individuals with PKD experiencing kidney failure by the age of 60.

This month, Congressman Cleaver was awardedthe 2024 Congressional Champion of the Year Award by the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation for his leadership in PKD awareness and support for research and development of new PKD treatments.

Official text of the resolution is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.