TAMPA, Fla. September 3, 2004 – The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is pleased to announce the recipients of its chronic kidney disease (CKD) awards – the AAKP Spirit of Service Award and the AAKP Visionary Award. The awards presentation was scheduled during AAKP’s 31st Annual Convention in Bal Harbour, Fla. from Sept. 2-5. However, due to Hurricane Frances, the Convention was unfortunately cancelled. The CKD awards are designed to honor a patient and physician who have performed extraordinary service on behalf of those with CKD.

Ellie Durrett, recipient of the AAKP Spirit of Service Award, is the greatest example of a kidney patient who works diligently to raise awareness of CKD in her community. Mrs. Durrett is a Life Member of AAKP and serves as president of the AAKP Middle Tennessee Chapter. For the past three years, she successfully implemented “Kidney Care: Finding Your Strength” programs in the Nashville, Tenn. area – attracting an increasingly large amount of patients to raise awareness of CKD for those at risk or recently diagnosed. Her most exciting accomplishment is the establishment of the “Tennessee Chronic Kidney Disease Education Day.” She spoke on behalf of patients before the Tennessee House of Representatives to pass a House Joint Resolution declaring Aug. 15 “CKD Education Day.” This day was proclaimed to urge Tennesseans to familiarize themselves with CKD and the importance of intervention to promote sustained health and better quality of life.

The AAKP Visionary Award pays tribute to a physician for outstanding performance in CKD education. This year’s recipient, Robert Provenzano, MD has made a positive impact on kidney patients throughout the country. Dr. Provenzano was selected for his exemplary efforts in patient education. He is incoming president of the Renal Physicians Association and leaded the charge in educating family physicians on CKD diagnosis and early patient education. Through his work in developing a CKD tool kit for physicians, he has helped to ensure doctors and patients have tools to make important health decisions. 

Both of these individuals have helped to increase CKD awareness among patients, family members and the general public. The CKD awards program is sponsored through a generous gift provided by Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.

CKD – a condition of the kidneys that may progress over time to kidney failure – affects more than 11 million Americans. The most common causes of CKD are diabetes and hypertension. For more information about the CKD awards, call AAKP at (800) 749-2257 or click here.

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.