Phenylketonuria (known as PKU) is an inherited metabolic disease affecting the brain, in which the body cannot process a substance called phenylalanine (Phe) in the blood. As a result, Phe becomes toxic to the brain.  Phe is an amino acid found in all proteins, most foods, and in some artificial sweeteners.  There are 16,500 Americans living with PKU.  The first line of treatment for PKU is a very strict, low protein diet that can be difficult to follow.  This dietary therapy must be adhered to for life for successful management of PKU.  Most children and adults living with PKU cannot manage their disease effectively with the dietary treatments that are currently available.  Research has shown that PKU impact important brain functions and dietary treatment is just not enough.

Learn more at npkua.org.

When you raise money for National PKU Alliance, you are supporting key national programs to help those living with PKU every day.  Important programs including:  advocacy work to campaign for coverage for necessary medical foods; back-to-care programs for adults; maternal PKU for women who want to have healthy children; resources and tools to disburse important information, such as NPKUA's website; and ground-breaking research projects on the horizon for PKU.  

Events are a great way to increase awareness about PKU while raising funds.  The monies received from events are vital to our mission and go along way toward helping those with PKU.  The important thing to remember when you are planning a fundraising event is that it can be anything you want it to be.  Golf outings, painting or BINGO parties, walks/runs, special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries, all serve the same purpose - to bring people together (even virtually) while raising money and awareness about our important cause.

You can raise important funds for NPKUA YOUR WAY!