TAMPA, Fla.September 8, 2004 – The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is pleased to announce its 2004 Annual Awards recipients. Each year, AAKP recognizes outstanding individuals, organizations and AAKP Chapters at the Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony held during AAKP’s Annual Convention.

Due to Hurricane Frances, AAKP’s 2004 Annual Convention in Bal Harbour, Fla. was cancelled. Unfortunately, because of the cancellation, this year’s awards were not formally presented to their recipients. The following awards and certificates were to be presented to those who made a significant difference in AAKP's functions and activities over the past year.

Mary Heisick, MSW, a transplant recipient and a member of AAKP’s National Board of Directors is the recipient of the Samuel J. Orenstein Award – AAKP’s most prestigious award. Ms. Heisick was selected for her commitment and dedication to AAKP's mission and goals. Throughout her nearly 10 years of service, she participated in several important committees, including serving as a former Convention Chairperson. Ms. Heisick is a strong leader and continues to dedicate her time to improving the lives of fellow patients.

Roz Feldman was named the recipient of the Josephine Berman Award. This award is presented to an individual who has made a long-term commitment to the mission of AAKP. Ms. Feldman is an enthusiastic volunteer for the AAKP South Florida Chapter and dedicates countless hours to the organization. She has been involved with AAKP for nearly a decade, while also serving as a former president of the AAKP South Florida Chapter.

Paul McGinnis, MD was named the winner of the AAKP Patient Comeback of the Year Award. This award is presented to an individual who displayed leadership and courage while overcoming obstacles associated with kidney disease. In 2003, Dr. McGinnis was admitted to the intensive care unit after being diagnosed with the West Nile Virus. As a transplant recipient, he went to extraordinary lengths to rebound and regain control of his healthcare. Dr. McGinnis’ bravery and commitment to his health is an inspiring example to other patients who face challenges.

Stephen Z. Fadem, MD, FACP is the recipient of the Peter Lundin, MD Memorial Award. This prestigious award was created to honor a healthcare professional who works tirelessly to educate and encourage kidney patients. Dr. Fadem’s efforts in early kidney disease education helps thousands of patients nationwide to achieve quality health outcomes. In addition, he currently serves as a member of the AAKP Medical Advisory Board and is a vice president of the AAKP National Board of Directors. 

Alan Kliger, MD was named as the recipient of the Maureen Lundin aakpRENALIFE Award. Dr. Kliger was chosen for his valuable contributions to this magazine. He has written numerous patient education articles in aakpRENALIFE for many years. His writing style consistently presents a clear and concise synopsis of the topics patients are most interested.

The End-Stage Renal Disease Network (ESRD) of the Upper Midwest (Network 11) is the recipient of the Dominick Gentile Memorial Award. This award is presented to an ESRD Network that provides quality patient programs and an established avenue to report grievances. The ESRD Network of the Upper Midwest provides services to kidney patients in Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. This network aims to assess and improve the quality of care provided to individuals with ESRD. Network 11 initiates numerous projects stressing the importance of patient education as an integral part of quality care.

Donald Dowe, MSW, LCSW was chosen as the recipient of the NOVA Award. Each year, the AAKP staff selects an individual who makes a long-term commitment toward the future of AAKP. Mr. Dowe is always ready and willing to help. This past year, he could frequently be found at the AAKP National Office helping fill requests for patient education packets and meeting on leadership matters. He has also volunteered to serve on many important committees, including the Programs Committee, for the past two years.

Mark Meier, MSW, LICSW was selected by AAKP President Brenda Dyson as the recipient of the President's Award. Each year, AAKP's president chooses an individual he or she feels is responsible for making a significant difference in the daily activities of AAKP. Mr. Meier has proven to be a tremendous asset to AAKP. Through his involvement, Mr. Meier has spent countless hours promoting and representing AAKP. His contributions include AAKP’s 2004 National Board of Directors, AAKP’s 2004 Medal of Excellence Steering Committee, AAKP’s Nominating Committee and AAKP’s Governance Committee.

This year, AAKP created two new Awards to honor a Chapter volunteer and AAKP Chapter for their outstanding efforts on behalf of the Association. These awards are designed to celebrate the accomplishments of AAKP Chapters and their volunteers.

Susan Kreuter, LCSW was selected as the AAKP Chapter Volunteer of the Year. This award is presented to an outstanding Chapter volunteer who has dedicated time and energy on behalf of the Chapter. Ms. Kreuter has been a part of the AAKP South Florida Chapter for several years and currently serves on the Chapter’s Board of Directors. For the past two years, she managed and planned the Annual Fundraising Luncheon to benefit the Chapter’s Josephine Berman Crisis Fund.

AAKP Harbor – South Bay – Orange County Chapter was selected as the AAKP Chapter of the Year. The Chapter of the Year Award is presented to an AAKP Chapter that has gone above and beyond fulfilling the goals and mission of the Association. This Chapter has achieved great things since receiving its charter more than a decade ago. Throughout the years, the Chapter has ensured that patient education remains at the forefront of all they do. Past programs include the Santa Delivers Project – in which the Chapter visits pediatric dialysis patients during the holidays, as well as regular participation in local health fairs and educational sessions with topics ranging from kidney disease awareness to long-term care.

AAKP is the voluntary, patient organization, which for 35 years, has been dedicated to improving the lives of fellow kidney patients and their families by helping them deal with the physical, emotional and social impact of kidney disease. The programs offered by AAKP inform and inspire patients and their families to better understand their condition, adjust more readily to their circumstances and assume more normal, productive lives in their communities.