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In April of 2008, I faced a mother's worst nightmare... Madalaine, my youngest daughter, was diagnosed with early onset ADPKD just days before her fifth birthday. Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is a life-threatening genetic disease, affecting 600,000 Americans and 12.5 million people, worldwide. ADPKD affects 1 in 500 newborns, children and adults regardless of sex, age, race or ethnic origin. It does not skip a generation. There are currently no treatments, no meds or cure for PKD.
ADPKD causes fluid-filled cysts to grow on the kidneys. The cysts can spread to the liver, pancreas, spleen, ovaries, large bowel, membranes that surround your brain, the central nervous system, and seminal vesicles. It can also affect the heart, causing high blood pressure among other complications such as intracranial aneurysms and mitral valve prolapse. Over time, these cysts multiply and grow damaging the kidneys, reducing kidney function and leading to kidney failure. Dialysis and/or kidney transplantation are the only treatments for kidney (renal) failure.
Left: PKD Kidney, Right: Healthy Kidney
The cysts grow out of nephrons, the tiny filtering units inside the kidneys. The cysts eventually separate from the nephrons and continue to enlarge. The kidneys enlarge along with the cysts-which can number in the thousands-while roughly retaining their kidney shape. In fully developed autosomal dominant PKD, a cyst-filled kidney can weigh as much as 20 to 30 pounds
Healthy kidneys clean the blood by filtering out extra water and wastes. They also make hormones that keep the bones strong and blood healthy. When both kidneys fail, the body holds fluid, blood pressure rises, harmful acidic wastes build up inthe body and the body ceases to manufacture enough red blood cells.
Polycystic kidney disease causes the kidneys to gradually lose their ability to eliminate wastes from the blood and maintain the body's balance of fluids and chemicals. As the cysts enlarge, they produce pressure and promote scarring in the normal, unaffected areas of the kidneys. These effects promote high blood pressure and interfere with the ability of your kidneys to keep wastes from building to toxic levels, a condition called uremia.
As the disease worsens, end-stage kidney (renal) failure may result. When end-stage renal failure occurs, ongoing kidney dialysis or a transplant is required to prolong life.
Needless to say this news is devastating. So, after the initial shock, tears and feeling of hopelessness has settled, I am recollecting my inner strength and courage to diligently strive to gain the knowledge necessary to fight for the life of my daughter and the other 12.5 million children and adults afflicted with this incurable disease.
At the tender age of five Madalaine has already lost 25% kidney function with just a small cluster of cysts in both kidneys. If the progression of this disease continues at this ratio, it is estimated that Madalaine will require dialysis and/or a transplant by age 20.
The key to Madalaine's survival is to slow the rate of kidney damage in an effort to preserve the remainder of her kidney function until a cure or medicines can be developed.
First on our agenda is working closely with Madalaine's team of doctors to learn how to slow down the progression through the only line of defense available, a restrictive low sodium diet. In addition to creating and monitoring her daily dietary intake, I must also monitor her blood pressure, adjust our lifestyle to accommodate Madalaine's current/future health and medical needs as well as educated everyone in our lives including her schools.
Second is to help other PKD families by promoting public awareness, patient/family education and support.
Third is encouraging contributions and advocacy to fund research, clinical trials and patient support.
Madalaine is an amazing child with incredible courage and always a smile on her tiny face. She is my inspiration to continually maintain a positive attitude of living a fulfilling life, in lieu of my disabling disease of RA and her incurable disease of PKD, we will find a way to overcome the obstacles we encounter because we are survivors.
I ask you to join in my stewardship and advocacy on behalf of my daughter, Madalaine and all PKD children on our mission to find a cure, so no child has to live a life on dialysis or face the trials of a transplant.
PKD patients and families face many challenges including limited or no coverage for the cost of genetic testing, pediatric blood pressure monitor, restrictive dietary needs, medical alert bracelets, psychological therapy, dialysis expenses, pre and post transplant expenses, 36 month limit on transplant rejection medication coverage, patient support services and more...
...Please take time learn more about Polycystic Kidney Disease by visiting the PKD Foundation website....
...And Get Involved Today! Your stewardship & advocacy can make all the difference!
Thank you for your support.
~ Charlene (Madalaine's Mom), Zarya Studios of New Orleans
University Of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
Graduated: N/A
Degree: Bachelor's Degree
Major: Environmental Geography, Studio Art
Minor: Cultural Anthropology, History
Clubs: Member of The Association Of American Geographers, Gamma Theta Upsilon International Geographic Honor Society Zeta Lambda Chapter, Golden Key Honor Society, Pi Gamma Mu, UNO Visual Art League, Advocate For The Arts, The Society For Conservation Biology, Natioanl COuncil For Geographic Education, American Geologic Institute, American Anthropological Association, Audubon Nature Institute, National Geographic Society and Smithsonian National Associate...
Greek:
Gamma Theta Upsilon
2004 to Present
Mount Carmel Academy
New Orleans, LA
Graduated: 1977
Student status: Alumni
Degree: High School Diploma
Major: College Preparatory
This scene depicts the revelation of Spring Equinox with the hues of blue depicting the transitional period of birth and regrowth. The mottled background represents the twilight before dawn. The raindrops nourish and replenish its surroundings during the reawakening of the first bloom of spring. A single daisy is representational, that life in every form is a ceaseless cycle of transition and adaptation. ~Zarya 2008.
WELCOME
Zarya Environmental Studio is a creative extension of my contribution to conservation through various ART mediums. The purpose of this site is to cultivate interactive environmental knowledge and awareness. The meaing of my chosen pen name, Zarya, is derived from ancient Slavonic origin meaning "Morning Star" and symbolically represents my motto "The Dawn of A New Day". I hope Zarya Environmental Studio will become an educational inspiration for everyone to realize the importance of environmental stewardship and work together towards securing "The Dawn of A New Sustainable Era" for all Flora and Fauna.
One a personal note, I am the proud single mother and grandmother of six incredibly compassionate children. The eldest are the triplets age 29 followed by my youngest son age 25, my youngest daughter age 5 and my grandson age 8. For they are the driving force as to why I chose return college after a 25 year hiatus to pursue a degree to enhance my knowledge and expertise in the fields of environmental science, cultural anthropology, photographic journalism and studio art.
Geography is an inter-disciplinary and ever-changing field. I will be adding and updating exciting information pertaining to environmentally related projects and periodically integrating my own work which further expresses my passion in the environmental, geographical and cultural fields.
Humanitarianism is an essential key factor towards long term sustenance and survivial of the human species. As a Roman Catholic, my family grew up under the inspiration of such devoted humanitarians as Mother Theresa and Pope John Paul II. Through our travels we have learned to respect other cultures and faiths. We strongly feel it is our individual responsibility as stewards of our biosphere to join our resources in an effort to help those who are not in a position to help themselves, especially children and animals. It is imperative to sequester or at least minimize the effects of such atrocities as child abuse, apathy, famine, poverty, war, genocide, disease and natural disasters as no country including the USA is immune.
I am excited and proud to share with you the recent launch of my own website, Zarya Studios is an ongoing work-in-progress designed to cultivate environmental, geographical and cultural awareness by offering a host of information, interactive features and fine products within Eight Studios: Zarya Environmental Studio cultivating environmental awareness and stewardship;
Zarya Destinations Studio cultivating geographical knowledge and travel exploration; Zarya Humanitarian Studios cultivating humanitarian education awarenes and advocacy Zarya Multimedia Studio cultivating knowledge of advanced cutting-edge technology;
Zarya Lifestyle Studio cultivating tranquility for the mind, body and home; Zarya Women Studio cultivating the essence of allure, ingenuity and savior faire; Zarya Kids Studio cultivating knowledge, creativity and agility from infancy to college; And Zarya News Studio cultivating knowledge of developing world news and historical events. I invite you to bookmark and visit Zarya Studios. You will find each studio to be unique, informative and inspirational within itself offering an variety of on-going information, literature, educational resources, interactive features, unique merchandise and exclusive specials from a variety of select merchants and non-profit organizations worldwide all designed to enrich and enhance any lifestyle! Bookmark and Visit Zarya Studios often!
In an effort keep MySpace an appropriate and safe community, I will delete/deny any comment or sites featuring any sexually explicit, violent, vulgar or derogatory pictures/material/language; all spam style messages/comments including ring tones or gift cards of any sort; anyone with private settings; and huge over-sized comments (I enjoy the creativity but please keep picture sizes under 400x400). I feel MySpace can be an instrumental way to network in related fields of interests as long as it used in an appropriate, guarded and courteous manner. Together we can make a difference and transform the negatives of this world into positives!
Hi there! Just wanted to stop by and say thanks so much for connecting with us here on Facebook, and to introduce ourselves a bit!
We're www.BigGreenCart.com, the first fully Green auction, classified and swap site where users can buy, sell or trade their Green goods and services.
Our listing fees are the lowest on the web -- it costs only 99 cents to list your item! - and can be hosted by us for up to three months at a time. So, if you've got something brand new and fully Green, or even a pre-used item that could use a new home instead of a trip to the landfills, please feel free to come by the site and list it for auction, sale or swap with us today!
Thanks again for connecting and we look forward to seeing you around BGC!
Personally, I
hate parking lots --- but we have so many of them! Sitting there, doing nothing but heating up
the atmosphere, so solar parking lots! Community-sustained,
secure, renewable electricity! Bonus =
community jobs! All over America! So I’m back at university learning GIS to
analyze each town’s paved parking areas (Greensboro
NC (pop 247,000) has 10.27 square miles of it that will power over 500,000
homes (every year) if covered with photovoltaics!) and I’m starting
put_a_lid_on_it …………..……….
Hi there, If you like strawberries, we have a bit of a strawberry theme going on this month. In honour of our book of the month - Strawberry's Surprise - we have a little video about growing strawberries at a Pick Your Own farm. So if you have a minute, do check it out and also our video of the month which is on our myspace page. We also have some very berry stuff happening on our website www.thefoodies.org You can find a chilly berry tart recipe at http://www.thefoodies.org/resources.asp?categoryID=22&resourceID=76 And if you have kids who like strawberries they can do an activity to work out how they grow at http://www.thefoodies.org/resources.asp?categoryID=3&resourceID=3 Best wishes for a sunny strawberry June!
Just wanted to say “Thanks” for the ADD and Support! & WELCOME!.... : )
Let’s see How Many People we can get to Support a better tomorrow for us all and be “Personally Green!” Don’t forget to stop by our website at: PersonallyGreen.com and see how many things on the list that you are doing each and every day : )
Thanks again!... Help spread the word… please place us in your Top 40 list, only if you’re able, it helps people see that we are out here : ) If unable to put on Top 40, we do have banner links at: http://personallygreen.com/Link_your_webpage.htm
Thanks for the add! It is an honor to have you as a friend on MySpace. Help spread the word about Lions … subscribe to www.youtube.com/lionsclubsorg today!
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. ” Helen Keller
Good Morning my Dear friend!!!!... how are you?????? ready for Easter?... I think this is a wonderful time of the year, and before we get on it.. I wanted to come by and leave you a little Hi!!!.. as always full of Love, friendship and best wishes and Prayers for you!!! I Pray for you to have a wonderful Saturday!.. rest a little bit and get strong in Our Lord. May Jesus Keep you and God Bless you!!!!
May your days be meaningful and true In all you do may you find success And may your every hour be blessed
May your table be laden with daily delights May your bed give contentment thru the night In the workplace may you feel secure And relationships have the strength to endure
When you're feeling troubled and see no end May you find the comfort of a friend And when you're happy and full of hope Share it with all who helped you to cope
Times of pain and strife will come your way And you don't think you'll make it thru the day May you never give in to defeat or fear As your heavenly Father has you in His care.
May an attitude of gratitude be your goal To keep you healthy,strong, and whole May you remember as you travel over the miles To make someone happy with your smiles.
Thank You For Supporting The Wild Animal Sanctuary! For over 27 years The Wild Animal Sanctuary has been rescuing Captive Wildlife across the US. The Sanctuary is home to over 155 wild Animals including Lions, Bears, Tigers, Wolves, Mountain Lions, Leopards & Small Cats that live on 240 acres of rolling grassland just outside of Denver, CO! The Animals are rescued from private owners who keep them as pets, commercially exploit them in circuses & roadside attractions, & bred them over & over, just to sell their cubs for profit. There are about 25,000 animals in the US that are in this condition. They arrive emaciated, usually with urine burns on their feet (result of walking in their own urine & feces), fluid-filled joints (from living in concrete cages), bone deformities (from poor nutrition), & facial deformities from abuse. They come to a place where they have spacious indoor/outdoor habitats, the best quality food available, plenty of time to run, play & swim, with lots of love & affection! The Sanctuary has an annual budget of $1.5 million. Please support the Sanctuary in any way that you can, either financially or by spreading the word. Please check blog postings on the profile & in group Animal Sanctuaries, Rescues & Zoos for updates. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to send an e-mail! Please visit www. wildanimalsanctuary. org for more information.
.. Environmental .. Geographical .. Cultural .... www.zaryastudios.com
