The IgA Nephropathy Foundation Launches First-Ever Cookbook Ahead of IgAN Awareness Day
The Second Annual ‘IgAN Aware Day’ brings attention to the need for earlier diagnosis and treatments; cookbook offers patients guidance to improve quality of life
The IgA Nephropathy Foundation (IgAN Foundation), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting patients with a rare autoimmune kidney disease called IgA Nephropathy, is pleased to announce the launch of their first-ever cookbook devoted to people living with IgA Nephropathy and their families. The book, which goes beyond recipes and nutritional guidance to serve as an educational resource for newly diagnosed patients, was released in time for the organization’s second annual IgAN Aware Day on May 14, 2023, a week-long celebration dedicated to raising awareness for early diagnosis and treatment.
“We are thrilled to offer our patients and caregivers ‘The IgAN Cookbook,’ which not only provides delicious recipes, but also nutritional guidance specifically tailored to those with IgA Nephropathy,” said Bonnie Schneider, co-founder and director of the IgAN Foundation. ” For people living with IgA Nephropathy, making dietary modifications and ensuring the right balance of nutrients can help support overall kidney function and prevent further damage to the kidneys. We hope that this cookbook will help improve the quality of life for our community, which is a primary goal of our organization.”
The cookbook includes doctor-approved recipes and nutritional guidance specifically for IgAN patients from Emma Ryan, an integrative nutrition health coach and Dr. Blake Shusterman, a nephrologist known as “The Cooking Doc”. Additionally, the resource includes an in-depth discussion of “What is IgAN,” from its history to current treatments, from pioneering researcher Dr. Bruce Julian. The cookbook also features five “tried and true” patient recipe submissions along with their personal stories and a glossary of key terms associated with the disease.
“Being diagnosed with IgA nephropathy can be overwhelming and isolating at first. We knew patients and families needed a go-to resource to guide them in their IgAN journeys, and share comprehensive information on managing the disease day-to-day,” said Dr. Blake Shusterman, nephrologist and contributor to ‘The IgAN Cookbook’. “We hope this cookbook and lifestyle management tool helps patients feel empowered to live well with IgAN and ultimately slow the progression of their disease.”
In addition to the launch of the cookbook, the IgA Nephropathy Foundation is celebrating its second annual IgA Nephropathy Awareness Day (IgAN Aware Day), which falls on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2023. This year, May 14th marks the 20th anniversary of the Foundation’s creation by Bonnie Schneider—after her son’s diagnosis with IgA Nephropathy. As it was a mother’s love that sparked the Foundation’s creation, the Foundation is focusing IgAN Aware Day on family—the family you’re born with and the family you find—throughout the week of May 14. The Foundation invites everyone to join in on the week-long celebration and raise awareness for early diagnosis and treatment of IgA Nephropathy.
“The IgAN Cookbook” is available for purchase on the IgAN Foundation’s website, and all proceeds will go to support the Foundation’s mission to improve the lives of patients with IgA Nephropathy.
For more information about the IgA Nephropathy Foundation and IgAN Awareness Day, please visit https://igan.org/.
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About the IgA Nephropathy Foundation:
As the only dedicated patient advocacy group for people affected by IgA nephropathy, the IgA Nephropathy Foundation’s mission is to be a patient-centric organization focused on finding a cure for IgA nephropathy. Using the power of the patient community, we are focused on funding research, using patient advocacy to empower our patients, and building a network of support. As a patient-run organization, we will work together with the hope of finding better treatment options and the ultimate cure. By patients, for patients. To learn more, visit igan.org.
Media Contacts
Bonnie Schneider, bonnie@igan.org
Collin Walden, collin.walden@curastrategies.com