The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) held its 36th Annual Convention Sept. 3-5, 2009, in Denver, Colo. Nearly 200 patients, family members and renal professionals attended.

Attendees listening to Shad Ireland during the Opening Session of the Convention.	AAKP Executive Director Kim Buettner presents Jaime Harvey with raffle prizes.
New AAKP Board Member Paul T. Conway (left)  talks to an attendee during the AAKP Board of Directors' Welcome Reception.	Attendees in the Exhibit Hall.
Betty Rinaldi from Tampa, Fla., winner of the Welcoming Ceremonies "Wild West" costume contest.	Charlie & Betty Bennett dress for the Wild West costume contest
Amos Sims and Thelma Randal particiapte in the Wild West costume contest.	AAKP President Bobbi Wager, RN, MSN presents Bob Abbott with the Community Achievement Certificate.
AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN, presents John Aragon with the Patient Comeback of the Year Award.	AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN, presents Board Member Sam Pederson with the AAKP Volunteer of the Year Award.
Vernon Silva, MSW and AAKP Board Member Renee Bova-Collis, MSW, LCSW at the First Time Attendee Luncheon.	AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN, presents Shad Ireland with an AAKP Recognition Award.
The 36th Annual Convention Committee, (from left) Sam Pederson (Chairman); Vernon Silva, MSW; Mary Heisick, MSW; Edward White, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF and Karen Bell, RN, MSN, CNN (not shown) would like to thank the patients,sponsors and exhibitors who made the Convention a great success!