HOW YOUR MONEY’S HELPED // P05
Kidney fact file
Skevy’s story ity
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Derbyshire mum, Skevy Piponides, hopes her involvement in the NURTuRE study could eventually shed a light on the causes of kidney disease. “My case continues to baffle doctors,” said the professional cake baker, who was diagnosed with the condition seven years ago. “I had no prior symptoms or problems but, after a bout of mild dizzy spells, tests revealed that I had the kidney of an average 80-yearold, in terms of condition and function. “No one can explain how this has happened, but the biobank may help to finally get to the bottom of this mystery and shed further light on the causes of other kidney conditions.” Skevy’s renal unit at the Royal Derby Hospital invited her to take part. “I was more than happy to help and the whole process has been so simple,” she added.
“I’m excited to be part of NURTuRE, which will hopefully bring about real change for patients with CKD and NS, leaving a legacy for them and researchers for many years to come.” says Fiona.
NURTuRE-NS The NURTuRE-NS study is being led by Professor Moin Saleem, Professor of Paediatric Renal Medicine at the University of Bristol, and supported by study co-ordinator Liz Colby. It will involve at least 800 adults and children with nephrotic syndrome and hopes to shed more light on its causes by focusing on genes associated with the condition and identifying risk factors for NS progression and recurrence. “It’s great to work on NURTuRE, creating a powerful resource which has enormous potential to improve treatments for kidney patients,” says Liz.
Help us change more lives Help us fund and manage more revolutionary projects like the NURTuRE biobank – each one with the potential to transform patients’ lives.
“They just took blood and urine samples, did some height and weight measurements, tested my memory skills and asked me a few other questions. It was all done during a routine appointment in August and they’ll simply repeat the process in a year’s time. “I’ve never been part of a research study before but, if my involvement can help other people like me, then that would be fantastic.”
Make a donation today at www.kidneyresearchuk.org/donate or call: 0300 303 1100 THANK YOU
NURTuRE is being funded by AbbVie Inc, Evotec, UCB and Kidney Research UK.
What does this mean for me? Researchers will have the first opportunity to compare samples and data on a huge scale, potentially enabling earlier diagnosis and personalised treatments in years to come.
How can I get involved? If you are a patient with either late-stage CKD or NS at one of the participating renal units, you may be offered the opportunity to take part in the NURTuRE biobank study. Visit www.nurturebiobank.org and talk to your consultant to find out more. Skevy and her daughters, Florentia and Andrea
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