TAMPA, Fla. January 14, 2005 -- After reaching more than 1,000 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients last year, the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is excited to once again offer its “Kidney Care: Finding Your Strength” program in 2005.

“Finding Your Strength,” a partnership with Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., is a free educational program that provides individuals who have or may be approaching kidney disease with valuable information about proper kidney care. This informative program features presentations from healthcare professionals about CKD, conditions leading to CKD, diet information and much more.

Since the program began in 2002, “Finding Your Strength” has educated more than 2,600 CKD patients. Throughout the past three years, this program has expanded to reach 29 cities in 14 states nationwide.

“AAKP is excited to continue this educational program. In addition to educating kidney patients, the program provides valuable information to friends and family members interested in learning more about kidney disease,” said AAKP Executive Director Kris Robinson.

In 2005, AAKP will host 18 programs across the nation. To find the location nearest you, 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.