The Bitterman family is participating in the tenth annual New York City Run for Rogosin, an institution where an incredible amount of headway is being made to help eradicate all kidney diseases, specifically the currently incurable Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) which I have. The Rogosin Institute is the premier not-for-profit medical treatment and research center for kidney disease, including dialysis and transplantation, in New York City.
My mom, Evelyn, was afflicted with PKD and passed away at the age of 66. Her brother, my Uncle Kal, also had PKD and died at the age of 67. My oldest brother Arthur, who also battled with PKD, passed away eight years ago at the age of 63 from cancer; at that time his kidneys were functioning at only 40% which hindered his chances for any recovery from the cancer. My brother Bruce also has this dreaded disease.
PKD passes from generation to generation and both of my daughters and their cousins have a 50% chance of inheriting PKD. What's also troubling is the fact that no one in our family who has been diagnosed with PKD has been able to reach the age of 75. I will be 65 years old in December and am very concerned with this family statistic. I have the added displeasure of having been diagnosed four years ago with multifocal motor neuropathy which is a progressive muscle disorder causing muscle weakness and atrophy in my right hand. Through physical therapy and periodic doses of intravenous immunoglobulin, I have been able to maintain functionality of the hand. In October 2018, I was hospitalized with congestive heart failure for which I am also currently being treated with medication as well.
This is why I am walking to support the Rogosin Institute with its concerted efforts regarding kidney disease. Please consider lending me your support by sponsoring me in this endeavor or by obtaining your own sponsors and joining "Team Bitterman" on Sunday morning, June 9, 2019, at Hudson River Park, Pier 84 (555 12th Avenue @ 44th Street) where the festivities begin with registration between 8 & 8:30 AM and race to begin at 9 AM.
Whatever you decide, may you enjoy the best of health always.
Thanks in advance for your support of the Rogosin Institute.
To support the team by sponsoring a team member or by joining Team Bitterman and obtaining your own sponsors, please go to the team's homepage:
https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/team-bitterman2
To learn more about the Rogosin Institute, please visit its homepage: http://www.rogosin.org
