We all know dialysis treatment is life-saving, but it is also a huge commitment that changes a patient’s lifestyle in many ways. All patients deserve to be recognized for their dedication to their treatments, especially those who have been successfully dialyzing for 25 years or more! Each year, these patients are awarded with a congratulatory letter, a medal, a plaque and a one-year AAKP membership through Fresenius Medical Care’s Quarter Century Recognition Program.

In addition to trying not to miss their dialysis appointments, most of these patients credit their years of successful dialysis to taking care of themselves by eating right and getting regular exercise, trusting in their faith, and having good relationships with friends and family.

FMCNA recognized more than 160 patients in 2005 throughout their nationwide clinical network. In addition to those pictured above, the following patients agreed to the publication of their names.

Harrison Akingbade, North Carolina, 27 years

Roy Bridges, Georgia, 25 years

Annie Butler, Texas, 25 years

Johnny Byrd, Illinois, 25 years

Joanne Cook, New Hampshire, 34 years

Steven Franklin, Texas, 25 years

Ronnie Griser, Texas, 25 years

Hazel Hamm, Texas, 25 years

Terry Holton, Louisiana, 25 years

Ronald Howell, Virginia, 28 years

Patricia Jackson, Virginia, 25 years

Phyllis Kerner, Massachusetts, 25 years

Juan Martinez, Ohio, 25 years

Dianne Mitchell, Louisiana, 30 years

Cynthia Motley, North Carolina, 30 years

Delores Muhlstein, Texas, 30 years

Jessie Payne, Tennessee, 25 years

Ruben Perez, Illinois, 31 years

Raul Rodriquez, Texas, 29 years

Doug Shoemaker, Georgia, 25 years

Mary Ann Sisson, Virginia, 26 years

Thelma Steed, Texas, 26 years

Ruby Walker, Texas, 30 years

Jaqueline Williams, Michigan, 25 years

Fletcher Willis, Texas, 30 years

AAKP would like to acknowledge FMCNA’s commitment to recognizing the special achievement of Quarter Century Patients.

This article originally appeared in the March 2006 issue of aakpRENALIFE, Vol. 21, No. 5.

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