With just a little over three weeks to go until the 33rd Annual AAKP Patient Convention, it is certainly getting exciting in the national office. We are thrilled by the growth of the Convention and the opportunities being provided to patients at this year’s event.

One of the neatest opportunities is the session titled, "Kidney Friendly Nutrition: Eating Well." Watching our diet is one of the most difficult aspects of kidney disease. Whether you're on dialysis, have reduced kidney function or, like me, have a kidney transplant, deciding what foods to eat and making them taste good is a real challenge. I can't wait to meet Katie Lee Joel, host of Bravo's "Top Chef," a reality competition series for the culinary arts! Katie who also writes a culinary column, "East End Girl," for Hamptons Magazine resides in New York with her husband, musician Billy Joel. She will host our cooking demonstration and give us some useful hints for controlling our phosphorus intake. Sounds like a yummy time of sampling and enjoying new recipes.

I'm also excited to attend our First Timer's Luncheon. This is a new event this year in which attendees can learn all about AAKP, the Convention and, meet some new friends who can provide insight. I'm looking forward to meeting all of you who are new to the AAKP Convention at this luncheon on August 31.

Most importantly, I can't wait to hear presentations by such prominent speakers as Drs. Eli Friedman, Jay Wish, George Aronoff, Chris Blagg, Steve Fadem and many others, who will provide us with the most up-to-date information on our healthcare.

Please don't delay. Time is running out to join fellow patients and their families at this wonderful educational event. Register today by calling AAKP at 800-749-2257, or you can learn more about the Convention by clicking here.

Kris Robinson
Executive Director/CEO