Each year, AAKP’s recognizes a patient and physician who put themselves at the forefront of educating those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). On Sept. 2, during the Welcoming Ceremonies of its 32nd Annual Convention, AAKP presented the 2005 CKD Awards – the AAKP Spirit of Service Award and AAKP Visionary Award – to a kidney patient and professional for their leadership and devotion to the CKD community.

The AAKP Spirit of Service Award was established to honor a kidney patient who raises awareness of CKD in his or her community. This year’s recipient, Jenna Lynne Smith, is an inspiring example to other patients.

She developed end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in 1993 and was on peritoneal dialysis until 2000. At that time, she received a living-related kidney transplant, which failed after 20 months, and has since used hemodialysis treatment.

Jenna volunteers for numerous organizations, such as Kidneeds, an organization started by her family to support research to find a cure for membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type II, known as MPGNII. She makes jewelry, which can be found in jewelry stores throughout Iowa, as well as greeting cards to raise money for kidney research. She is also a regular participant in Habitat for Humanity.

This extraordinary patient received an award by the 2005 Iowa Medical Society Alliance to recognize her community service endeavors. She also received the Peterson Scholarship through the University of Iowa Foundation for her scholastic achievements.

It is with great pleasure that AAKP presented this award. Jenna is a truly inspiring example to fellow patients.

AAKP also presented the AAKP Visionary Award, which was created to pay tribute to a physician for outstanding performance in CKD education. This year’s recipient, Jay B. Wish, MD, has made a positive impact on kidney patients throughout the country.

He was selected for his exemplary efforts in patient education. Currently, he is a member of the AAKP Medical Advisory Board. He has also participated in important, patient-focused organizations, such as Be Active, the American Society of Nephrology, the International Society of Nephrology, the Renal Physicians Association, and the National Kidney Foundation. In addition, he has worked with ESRD Networks throughout the country for more than 20 years.

Dr. Wish is always eager to assist AAKP in providing his insightful expertise. His articles can regularly be seen in our patient publications, aakpRENALIFE and Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine.

AAKP is grateful to Dr. Wish for all his exceptional work on behalf of kidney disease patients.

“As kidney patients, we are fortunate to have such dedicated individuals working on our behalf,” said AAKP Vice President, Donald Dowe, MSW. “Each of these recipients spends countless hours ensuring that kidney patients, especially those with CKD, understand their disease and live life to the fullest.”

Please join AAKP in congratulating both recipients and encouraging others to follow in their foot steps.

AAKP would like thank Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., for the generous sponsorship of the CKD Awards Presentation. We are grateful for their support and commitment to CKD patients and excellence in CKD care.

This article originally appeared in the December 2005 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine, Vol. 4, No. 5.