Wow! The past few months sure have been busy! From planning the 36th Annual Convention, to encouraging patients to contact their state representatives in support of lifetime coverage of immunosuppressive drugs, to new membership specials, AAKP is working hard for all kidney patients.

Registration for the 36th Annual AAKP Convention is now open. This year, the Convention takes place Sept. 3 – 5, in Denver, Colo., and features new and exciting educational sessions, fun social events and an exhibit hall filled with renal related companies.

Full Convention packages start at just $90 for patients and family members, and include three days of educational sessions, a tote bag, souvenir t-shirt, and tickets to the First Time Attendees’ Luncheon, Welcome Reception, Welcoming Ceremonies, and Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony. One-day registrations are also available and start at $25 per person, per day.

The Convention registration brochure was sent to all AAKP members. If you would like to register for the AAKP Convention or would like to receive a copy of the registration brochure, please contact AAKP at (800) 749-AAKP or info@aakp.org. The Convention registration brochure can also be downloaded from the AAKP Web site.

AAKP recently sent an electronic newsletter to its subscribers asking patients, family members, friends and health care professionals to contact their Congressional members in support of the S. 565, the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage Kidney Transplant Patient Act of 2009 and its companion bill, H.R. 1458. This legislation would extend coverage for immunosuppressive drugs beyond the first 36 months after a kidney transplant. The passage of these bills would not only allow transplant recipients to maintain the life of their donated kidney, it will save millions of dollars for Medicare.

AAKP has received overwhelming response from the transmission of this Call to Action and is proud to know so many individuals are eager to serve as kidney patient advocates.

In April, representatives from AAKP headed to Washington, D.C. to honor Representatives Dave Camp (R-MI) and Pete Stark (D-CA) for their continued commitment to kidney patients and their work with the passage of the Stephanie Tubbs-Jones Congressional Gift of Life Medal Act. The Stephanie Tubbs-Jones Act creates a commemorative medal for organ donors and their families. The bill is named after Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones, an organ donation advocate, who had her organs donated after suffering a brain aneurysm last summer. AAKP was proud to be able to bestow a special medal to these two patient advocates for their hard work and dedication.

AAKP is also making it easier for patients, family members and friends to become members of the Association. For a limited time only, AAKP is offering a membership special. You can purchase two Premiere Patient/Family memberships for $30. This means the second membership is only $5! You may use this offer to give the gift of membership to two friends or family members, or you can give one membership as a gift and renew your own AAKP membership. For more information about this special membership offer, please contact Ecedra McGlone at (800) 749-AAKP or emcglone@aakp.org.

Keep checking the AAKP Web site for new information and upcoming events. We hope to see you at the Annual Convention!

Kind regards, 



Kim Buettner
Executive Director
American Association of Kidney Patients