On March 5, 2008, the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) presented Alonzo Mourning with the AAKP Life Membership Award. The award presentation took place during the half-time show between the Miami HEAT and the Toronto Raptors. The seven-time National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star and center for the Miami HEAT, is a strong advocate for kidney education and friend of AAKP.

Doctors diagnosed Mourning with focal glomerulosclerosis (FGS) in 2000. FGS is one of more than 20 types of glomerular disorders, and one which often causes permanent kidney failure in adults and children. The disease is becoming more common and is especially prevalent among African-American males. Those with the disease have a 50 percent chance of developing kidney failure within 10 years of onset.

After his diagnosis, Mourning stuck to a strict game plan to try to slow the progression of the disease. This included seeing his doctor on a regular basis, eating healthy and exercising. And it worked for a while. However, in 2003, his creatinine level began to increase rapidly and doctors told him he had to decide on a treatment modality.

Mourning was fortunate. A second cousin, Jason Cooper, came forward and offered to donate a kidney. Cooper was a good match, a U.S. Marine in good shape and tall. Mourning needed a bigger than average kidney because of his height and Cooper fit the bill.

Since his diagnosis, Mourning has traveled the country speaking to audiences about the importance of being tested for kidney disease. In recognition of his dedication to kidney disease education, AAKP presented him with the AAKP Life Membership Award. “It is a great honor to receive this award from AAKP, an organization that does important work for people living with CKD,” said Mourning. “My biggest win is that I am healthy and, with groups like AAKP, I am able to help fight CKD by encouraging people who are at risk to talk to their doctor and get tested and treated as early as possible.”

Before the award presentation, AAKP partnered with Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., to host a breakfast at the American Airlines Arena for National Kidney Month. Mourning and AAKP Executive Director/CEO Kris Robinson spoke to media organizations across the country about the growing number of people in the United States diagnosed with kidney disease. “New research estimates there are 26 million people in this country with kidney disease. AAKP believes education is key in slowing the progression of the disease,” stated Robinson.

“Since his diagnosis, Mourning has been motivating physicians and the public to take action – encouraging those who are at risk for chronic kidney disease to get tested and treated,” said AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN. “Because of his tireless commitment and drive to raise public awareness and money for research – and his ability to share his personal experience living with this disease – Mourning has touched countless lives with his important message.”

About the AAKP Life Membership Award

The AAKP Honorary Life Membership Award is given to an individual as an expression of long-term dedication to helping kidney patients achieve a better quality of health and life. These contributions, whether they have been in research, leadership or mentorship, have a lasting impact on the kidney community and demonstrate a lifetime commitment to the progress against kidney disease.

Past winners include celebrity chef Katie Lee Joel and musician Isaac Hayes. These individuals have used their celebrity status to advance AAKP’s mission and have generously donated their time to educate kidney patients, friends of the kidney community and the general public about renal disease.

AAKP Honors 2008 Medal of  Excellence Winner

The Medal of Excellence is an AAKP recognition program that honors a renal physician who has dedicated his or her career to improving the lives of kidney patients, while also possessing extraordinary skills and devotion in the field of nephrology. AAKP was pleased to bestow this honor on Todd Ing, MD.

Dr. Ing was presented with the Medal of Excellence Award on Sunday, March 16, at the Renaissance Austin Hotel in Austin, Texas. The Medal of Excellence Award Dinner was held in conjunction with the Renal Physicians Association’s (RPA) Annual Meeting. AAKP was joined by patients, friends and colleagues as Dr. Ing was acknowledged for his achievements and devotion to quality patient care.

“It was truly a pleasure to recognize Dr. Ing for his outstanding dedication to patients and noteworthy contributions to the renal community. The Medal of Excellence has been awarded to some of the most exceptional renal physicians. Dr. Ing is undoubtedly among those individuals,” said AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN.

During the ceremony, AAKP celebrated Dr. Ing’s commitment to providing patients and veterans of the armed forces with education and quality care. Several friends and colleagues, including Susie Lew, MD, of George Washington University and John Daugirdas, MD, of the University of Illinois of Chicago, spoke on Dr. Ing’s behalf.

AAKP was both pleased and proud to honor such a fine physician.

Congratulations to the 2008 Medal of Excellence Nominees
• Geoffrey Block, MD
• Michael Cardi, MD, FACP
• William Cowardin, MD
• Stephen Fadem, MD, FACP, FASN
• Alan Hull, MD
• Melissa Isbell, MD, FACP
• Shaul Massry, MD
• Ahmed Rehan, MD
• Robert Spottswood Lockridge, Jr., MD

Thank you to the 2008 Medal of Excellence Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Abbott Renal Care
Genzyme
Silver Sponsors
AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Watson Pharma, Inc.
Bronze Sponsor
American Society of Nephrology
Astellas Pharma, Inc.
Patron Sponsors
American Regent, Inc.
Dialysis Clinic, Inc.
Kidney Associates, PLLC
Renal Physician Association
United Network for Organ Sharing

This article originally appeared in the May 2008 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine.