Concert will raise funds for rare disease

Approximately 20,000 people in the United States suffer from Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease, or ARPKD, with almost 50 percent dying from it at birth or shortly after.

No cure has been found to help combat the rare disease, but Heidi Peck, diagnosed with ARPKD at birth, will continue to fight the disease through her love of music.

On Oct. 27, Heidi will join other musicians from the area to host a benefit concert at the Mountain Home Church of Nazarene at 7 p.m. to raise awareness and money to help find a cure.

"Playing the flute has helped exercise her lungs," said her parents, Chief Master Sgt. Norman Peck and his wife Debi. "Because ARPKD causes the kidneys, spleen and liver to enlarge, lung capacity can be reduced because of lack of room. Almost all babies who die at birth die because their lungs have not had room to develop, not because of kidney failure. Heidi's lung capacity continues to be above normal, due in part to her flute playing."

"Music is a significant part of my life," Heidi said. "I plan to go to college to pursue my passion for music."

ARPKD is a very rare disease inherited by children when â€" and only when â€" both mother and father carry a particular, abnormal gene. Even then, the chance of their child contracting the disease is only 25 percent. Failure to thrive, high blood pressure and urinary tract infections are some problems the disease causes. While no cure exists, medicines can help control blood pressure, antibiotics treat infections and a nutritious diet can improve growth. For tickets or donation information, call Norman or Debi Peck at 587-9794 or email them at norpeck@msn.com. Make all donations payable to the ARPKD/CHF Alliance. The alliance is a tax-deductible, nonprofit organization. More information on the alliance can be found at www.arpkdchf.org.