“Nineteen years ago, my father donated one of his kidneys to me. As anyone can imagine, it was a life-altering experience that in part made me who I am today. Because of his generous gift, I always strive to make a difference. I am fortunate to be involved with an organization that allows me to positively impact the lives of countless individuals each day. When I made the decision to become a Life Member of AAKP, I did it not only because I wanted to be a part of ensuring AAKP’s future strength, but as a tribute to my father’s continual unconditional love and generosity.”

Kris Robinson
AAKP Executive Director/CEO

Since it’s founding more than 35 years ago, AAKP has provided a vast amount of support to individuals whose lives have been affected by kidney disease. Today, AAKP remains the only national kidney disease organization run by patients for patients and continues to deliver support in the form of various educational programs and materials.

As a non-profit organization, our members have always been at the core of our success. They play a crucial role in helping us effectively fulfill our mission and carry out our most seemingly difficult goals. Thus, each member of our organization is invaluable and cherished in this regard.

“I ultimately became a Life Member after witnessing the enthusiasm and energy of other AAKP patients I met. I got a first-hand glimpse at the potential that permeates a patient-driven organization.”

Stephen Z. Fadem, MD, FACP
AAKP Life Member Chair

One such group of members is our highly esteemed Life Members. They all share the same commitment not only to our organization, but to the kidney patient population as a whole. Life Membership requires a significant financial contribution, but more importantly, the unwavering dedication our Life Members provide is immeasurable.

“Becoming an AAKP Life Member solidifies the bonding process between those who regard improving the lot of kidney patients as a vital objective and the organization most likely to affect this goal. A sense of pride and participation in a most worthy cause is the happy reward I derived from enrolling as a Life Member. I urge all who are able to take this step.”

Eli A. Friedman, MD
AAKP Medical Advisory Board Chair

Choosing to become a Life Member takes a certain amount of dedication and desire to cause meaningful changes. It is this exceptional commitment made by our Life Members that encourages and strengthens AAKP. Together we strive to accomplish more than ever before. And while our goals may be perceived as lofty or overly ambitious, we believe a more appropriate word is attainable. We deeply value those devoted to helping us make a difference. This is why our Life Members are so important to us.

The sense of accomplishment gained when we receive personal testimonials of the difference AAKP has made in a patient’s life is at the very least gratifying. You too can achieve that level of fulfillment by making the conscious decision to become a leader in the struggle to improve the lives of those affected by kidney disease. All it takes is a one-time payment of $1,000, or four payments of $250 (every six months over two years).

To learn more about becoming a Life Member, call AAKP’s National Office at (800) 749-2257 today. The satisfaction you will experience is priceless. There are stars, and then there are Our Shining Stars.

Benefits of Life Membership

• A lifetime of regular membership benefits; including subscriptions to our magazines, aakpRENALIFE and Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine.

• Exclusive invitations to special events, such as the annual Life Membership Reception held at the AAKP Annual Convention, and the AAKP Medal of Excellence Dinner.

• Being kept abreast of the latest issues affecting kidney patients, as well as news of AAKP’s projects through our annual Life Membership newsletter, Future Focus.

• A framed certificate signed by the AAKP President and AAKP Executive Director/CEO acknowledging your Life Membership.

• An exclusive gold and blue lapel pin as a symbol of your thoughtful concern for all kidney patients.

• Lifelong satisfaction knowing you have helped improve the lives of kidney patients.

This article originally appeared in the January 2006 issue of aakpRENALIFE, Vol. 21, No. 4.

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