December 2010

Hello! My name is Karen E. Ryals, and I am the Executive Director for the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP). I am so proud to be a part of an organization that has served kidney patients and their families for more than 40 years and is still committed today to ‘improving the lives of kidney patients and their families by helping them deal with the physical, emotional and social impact of kidney disease.’

We have accomplished so much since AAKP’s inception and are fortunate to have touched so many lives with our educational materials and advocacy efforts. All of this work is accomplished by a dedicated and knowledgeable staff, and a working Board who understands what it means to have kidney disease. Dictated by AAKP bylaws, more than 50 percent of the Board must be patients with kidney disease and the remaining members of the Board are comprised of family members or friends affected by this chronic illness or health care professionals in the renal community. We are pleased to have such a diverse Board and feel that allows us to remain an integral and driving force for all patients and families.

The organization has gone through some changes in the past few years, and we now are facing the future with some new staff, new Board members, and as always the ever changing kidney population that we serve. The challenges we all face will be great, but the same driving force that has pushed for legislation, obtained needed funding for programs, and educated kidney patients all over the country, remains committed and ready for the work we will do.

The hope I have for the organization is that we always strive to work toward the highest quality care for all kidney patients, and that we successfully promote legislation to enable patients to receive this care. We also want to ensure that all kidney patients live very fulfilling and happy lives, and we will work with them to provide information and education about how to do that while overcoming problems they may face. We want to make a difference as we go forward and I know we will.

Please let us know how we can better serve you! I would like to hear from you as often as you would like to write (kryals@aakp.org) or call (1-800-749-2257), as we all know here at AAKP that you are the reason for our efforts. I am very fortunate to be here, and will always be aware of that fact, as we work on your behalf. I thank the staff, the Board, the corporate partners and sponsors, the donors, the funders and YOU. Every single facet of the renal community comes together for our work, and we are only as good as you make us. We strive to be the best patient organization we can be and I thank you for all you have done to make our dreams possible. 

Sincerely, 

 

Karen E. Ryals