Glenn's Mission
In 2015, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease. While I have the disease, I consider myself fortunate as I am in a position to get excellent medical advice, stay active and make healthy nutritional choices. In my case, the disease is progressing slowly. But I’ve seen how awful this disease can become and I’ve witnessed friends suffer without a cure.
That’s why it’s my mission to raise more than $500,000 specifically to support the PKD Foundation with critically-needed funding for research into the disease and to raise awareness of PKD.
Beginning in May 2022, I will be riding my bike approximately 5,300 miles across the United States to raise awareness and significant donations for Polycystic Kidney Disease. I plan to start the ride in Northern California and over the course of roughly 100 days of riding, make my way across the Rockies, through the Plains to Kansas City, up to Chicago and down to Washington, DC. Then, I’ll ride up the eastern seaboard and end my adventure in Boston. It is quite an undertaking but I’m hoping with the help of all of you, I’ll gain the support, resources, and encouragement to make a difference in the lives of millions of people with PKD.
Help me reach my goal! See how much we've raised or make a donation to the PKD Foundation.
Who is Glenn Frommer?
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Hi! I’m Glenn. Some of you may know me as family, a friend, a work colleague, or through a professional connection. But for those of you who don’t know me at all, here’s a top 10 list that explains exactly who I am:
Regardless of how you know me, please know how grateful I am to have had the privilege of greatness all around me — my loving family, tremendous friends, work colleagues, professional contacts, and people who have filled my life with love, laughter, and support.
01
Family Over Everything
It started with my Grandpa Henry and is as true today as it was 100 years ago — I’m the luckiest guy on the planet to have the most supportive immediate and extended families.
02
37 Years of Marriage
They say that “behind every good man is a GREAT woman” and they’re right. I’m truly blessed that Beth has supported our journey, loved me, and raised the best kids.
03
Adrenaline Junkie
I’m an avid skier (trees and bumps), road cyclist, mountain biker, one-wheeler, and hiker. I’ve even cycled stages of the Tour de France and Giro D’Italia.
04
Music Lover
While I have zero musical talent, I listen to music — classic rock, jam bands, R&B, funk, hip hop, alternative, and some country — all day long. I’ve actually seen Springsteen live over 35 times, mostly with the Boyz from Manalapan, NJ.
05
Dance Enthusiast
I had no ‘game’ growing up and the only slight ‘girl attraction’ skill I had was a bit of rhythm. So, I learned to dance. And that’s how I met my wife, Beth — on a frat house dance floor, 40 years ago at the University of Rochester.
06
Great Career (so far)
In the early days of my career, I worked as a Chemical Engineer and then became a Finance/CFO for National Starch/Unilever. I was also a business unit leader for ICI and Celanese, a President/CEO for ADCO Products and Mauser Packaging, and now I run Milkbox Partners, a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investing.
07
Philanthropist
While I spent the first half of my life focused inwards, I want to spend the remaining decades helping those in need in areas including diseases, homelessness, education, social justice, or women’s causes.
08
Vegetarian
I converted about 2 years ago, spurred on by my three kids — Matt, Rachel, and Jake — who convinced me that it was better for both the environment and for my pursuit of maximizing my health span.
09
No Regrets… Except Two
I wish I would have become a Doctor, just like my grandparents and parents wanted me to. And, since Beth did such a great job with the three great kids we have, I wish we would have had more children.
10
I Have PKD
I’m going to fight like hell to do everything I can to protect the functioning of my kidneys and volunteer my time, energy, and money to helping the PKD Foundation and its university research partners develop treatments and find a cure so our community of current and future sufferers — 600,000 of us — can live long, healthy, and pain-free lives.
