TAMPA, Fla. September 13, 2005 -- The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) was thrilled by the attendance, excitement and success generated by its 32nd Annual Convention held Sept. 1-4 in Las Vegas.

As the largest kidney disease patient meeting in the country, AAKP’s Annual Convention provides attendees with the most current information on kidney disease and its treatments. More than 600 patients and family members attended educational presentations from some of the country's leading healthcare professionals. Attendees enjoyed speaking with healthcare professionals and fellow patients about concerns they face, treatment options and new technologies. Convention attendees enjoyed an extensive exhibit hall displaying more than 25 kidney-related companies.

On Sept. 2, AAKP welcomed celebrity musician and chef Isaac Hayes who, along with a renal dietitian and nephrologist, spoke on the importance of controlling phosphorus in one’s diet. Attendees received a free copy of the cookbook Kidney Friendly Comfort Foods, containing 21 low-phosphorous recipes. Knowing the difficulties of lowering phosphorus, and after losing a close friend and fellow musician to kidney disease, Hayes has traveled the country educating patients. He is also an Oscar- and Grammy-award-winning musician with a role on the animated hit-television series, South Park.

That evening, AAKP held its official Welcoming Ceremonies where attendees danced and participated in a Las Vegas-themed costume party. In addition, AAKP presented its Chronic Kidney Disease (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 evening of Sept. 3, AAKP thanked the volunteers who dedicate themselves to making AAKP a strong organization at its Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony. The following award recipients have made a significant difference in AAKP's functions and activities over the past year.

AAKP President Brenda Dyson, who was unable to attend the Convention due to Hurricane Katrina, was selected as the recipient of AAKP’s most prestigious award – the Samuel J. Orenstein Memorial Award. She displays loyalty, dedication, commitment and enthusiasm in her support of AAKP. Throughout nearly 10 years of service, she has shown an unyielding desire to improve quality of patient care. Under her leadership, AAKP has worked to develop a National Quality Commission, supporting legislation to provide better health outcomes. Most importantly, she is a firm believer in AAKP’s mission and helps the Association make a difference in patients’ lives. She is a strong leader who dedicates her life to improving the lives of fellow patients.

Jeanne Sisneros was presented with the Josephine Berman Award. She is a chapter volunteer who dedicates countless hours to the Association. She is a patient and registered nurse who invites patients to attend Chapter meetings and supports and encourages them throughout their hospital stays. This award, named in honor of AAKP's first treasurer, acknowledges a patient or family member who devotes much of his or her life to the realization of AAKP's goals and mission.

Yalem Woredekal, MD, was named the winner of the AAKP Patient Comeback Award. Dr. Woredekal has displayed extraordinary courage despite numerous challenges and has resumed an active lifestyle. She left her native country of Ethiopia, completing medical school, residency and nephrology fellowship training. During this time, she received hemodialysis treatments and had two transplants. She received the Executive Director’s Award of Excellence at Kings County Hospital Center, the largest municipal hospital in the U.S. In addition, she is medical director of the Kings County Chronic Dialysis Unit. Through it all, she has used a gentle yet strong approach to take care of kidney disease patients and inspires them as someone who has come out on top after facing their same struggles.

Lawrence Spergel, MD, was presented with the Peter Lundin, MD, Memorial Award. This prestigious award honors the late Dr. A. Peter Lundin, one of AAKP's earliest advocates and leading supporters. Dr. Spergel spent more than 20 years as a vascular surgeon specializing in creating and repairing dialysis accesses. He is a national medical consultant for the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Fistula First Initiative, and served as chairman of the Network ESRD National Vascular Access Improvement Initiative from 2002-2005. Through his work, he has influenced care for thousands of dialysis patients across the U.S.

Eli A. Friedman, MD, was named the recipient of the Maureen Lundin aakpRENALIFE Award. Dr. Friedman has made a multitude of important contributions to AAKP’s patient magazines throughout the years. His writing style consistently presents a clear and concise synopsis of the topics patients are most interested in. His drive and dedication to educating patients through his educational articles are an invaluable service to the Association.

FMQAI: The Florida ESRD Network (Network 7) received the Dominick Gentile Memorial Award. This network aims to assess and improve the quality of care provided to ESRD patients. They have initiated many projects stressing the importance of patient education as an integral part of quality care. In addition, they showed superior leadership and strength throughout the 2004 hurricane season, which affected dialysis units throughout Florida, and achieved the best practices in the midst of these storms.

Mark Meier, MSW, LICSW, was presented with the NOVA Award. Each year, the AAKP staff selects an individual who has made a long-term commitment toward the future of AAKP. Mr. Meier is a Board member who is always ready and willing to help AAKP. He has served on many important committees and selflessly dedicates his time contributing articles to AAKP’s publications. He even graciously traveled across the country to volunteer at an AAKP educational event.

Kelly M. Mayo, MS, received the President's Award. Chosen by AAKP’s president, this award is presented to an individual who makes a significant difference in the daily activities of AAKP. Ms. Mayo has proven to be a tremendous asset over the past year. She has shown the utmost dedication to the Association by going above and beyond her duties as a member of its Board of Directors and Convention Committee.

AAKP would like to thank the Convention Committee for their planning, commitment and assistance in making AAKP's 2005 Annual Convention a huge success. The Convention Committee included: Donald Dowe, MSW (Convention Chairperson); Mary Heisick, MSW; Kelly M. Mayo, MS; Sam Pederson; and Judy Weintraub, MS.

AAKP would also like to thank the following sponsors who helped make the Convention a success: Abbott Renal Care; American Kidney Fund; American Regent, Inc.; Amgen, Inc.; Astellas Pharma US, Inc.; Dialysis Clinic, Inc.; Fresenius Patient Travel Services; Genzyme; iKidney.com; Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.; Renal Physicians Association; Shire Pharmaceuticals; and Watson Pharma, Inc.

AAKP has been busy making plans for its 33rd Annual Convention to be held Aug. 31-Sept. 3 in Orlando, Fla. Make plans to join hundreds of fellow patients as we celebrate another Convention in 2006. For more information, contact the AAKP National Office at (800) 749-2257 or click here.

AAKP is the voluntary, patient organization, which for more than 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.