For National Kidney Month this March, five-time Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin is continuing a collaboration with Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. (Otsuka) to raise awareness of the importance of having conversations about family health history. Missy is sharing her story of how autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, or ADPKD, has affected her own family. ADPKD is a rare genetic condition that causes cysts to form on the kidneys, eventually leading to a decline in kidney function and requiring a need for dialysis or a transplant. While ADPKD is considered a rare disease, each child of a parent with ADPKD has a 50% chance of inheriting the condition.

Missy made her Olympic debut at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London when she was 17 and continued to swim competitively until her eventual retirement from the sport in 2018. Throughout her career and beyond, family remained a priority. Embracing the values of open communication and family connection, her journey took an unexpected turn when her father was diagnosed with ADPKD. Missy’s father was not alone – multiple relatives on his side of the family also live with ADPKD.

Over time, Missy and her family learned that her father’s disease was progressing, and he ultimately underwent a successful kidney transplant surgery. She learned the importance of disease education and early detection for those who may be affected by ADPKD or another kidney disease. Missy is passionate about encouraging open dialogue among families and being proactive about screening processes and routine doctor visits.

For more information visit www.ADPKDQuestions.com