The University of Minnesota PKU Foundation

What is PKU?

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disease that affects approximately one in 10,000 - 15,000 newborns. PKU screening is mandatory for every infant born in the United States. Babies born with PKU are seemingly normal infants; however, they lack a single enzyme needed to break down the amino acid phenylalanine. There is no cure, but the condition can be managed with a carefully monitored, life-long diet. In the past most untreated PKU children became severely retarded. Now, through early management, they are able to develop normally.

The University of Minnesota PKU Foundation

Our mission is to promote research and the welfare of PKU patients and their families. The Foundation is a fund of the Minnesota Medical Foundation and is affilitated with the University Children's Foundation. The programs and services offered through the Foundation are the result of a very active patient/family constituency and Board of Directors.

Use of Funds

The Foundtions current services include:

Funding PKU research.

Purchase of breadmakers, gram scales and cookbooks for families in financial need (these are indispensable items in improving dietary management).

The purchase of Phenylalanine Value Books for every PKU family seen at the Clinic.

Expenses associated with the PKU Foundation Symposium held every other year for PKU families. (Speakers are internationally renowned PKU physicians and researchers.)

Biannual PKU family gatherings/networking events.

Recipe exchange events.

Growth and Future Plans

The foundation recently developed three subcommittees which are actively expanding its services:

1. Family Support Committee

2. Education/Communication Committee

3. Fundraising Commitee

Additional funds are needed to develop and continue these support services.

Your Support is Essential

The University of Minnesota PKU Foundation supports PKU research and services. Your support will make it possible to provide services and extend research to make our dreams of the future a reality. On behalf of PKU patients, their families and future families, we thank you for considering supporting the Minnesota PKU Foundation.

For further information please call Liz Bickel at (612) 473-6094 or Patty Mielke at (952) 496-9626.

	What is PKU?
	Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disease that affects approximately one in 10,000 - 15,000 newborns. PKU screening is mandatory for every infant born in the United States. Babies born with PKU are seemingly normal infants; however, they lack a single enzyme needed to break down the amino acid phenylalanine. There is no cure, but the condition can be managed with a carefully monitored, life-long diet. In the past most untreated PKU children became severely retarded. Now, through early management, they are able to develop normally.


	The University of Minnesota PKU Foundation
	Our mission is to promote research and the welfare of PKU patients and their families. The Foundation is a fund of the Minnesota Medical Foundation and is affilitated with the University Children's Foundation. The programs and services offered through the Foundation are the result of a very active patient/family constituency and Board of Directors. Use of Funds The Foundtions current services include: Funding PKU research. Purchase of breadmakers, gram scales and cookbooks for families in financial need (these are indispensable items in improving dietary management). The purchase of Phenylalanine Value Books for every PKU family seen at the Clinic. Expenses associated with the PKU Foundation Symposium held every other year for PKU families. (Speakers are internationally renowned PKU physicians and researchers.) Biannual PKU family gatherings/networking events. Recipe exchange events. Growth and Future Plans The foundation recently developed three subcommittees which are actively expanding its services: 1. Family Support Committee 2. Education/Communication Committee 3. Fundraising Commitee Additional funds are needed to develop and continue these support services.


	Your Support is Essential
	The University of Minnesota PKU Foundation supports PKU research and services. Your support will make it possible to provide services and extend research to make our dreams of the future a reality. On behalf of PKU patients, their families and future families, we thank you for considering supporting the Minnesota PKU Foundation.


	For further information please call Liz Bickel at (612) 473-6094 or Patty Mielke at (952) 496-9626.