TAMPA, Fla. October 12, 2005 -- The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is pleased to announce the release of a grant application to provide financial assistance for patients affected by Hurricane Katrina.

In September, AAKP developed the AAKP Disaster Relief Fund to aid kidney disease patients affected by Hurricane Katrina. Due to generous contributions from fellow patients and companies, such as Amgen, Inc., and Shire, AAKP is able to provide grants to these patients.

The grant application and instructions are now available. Individuals interested in applying can obtain an application from the AAKP Web site (click here) or by contacting the AAKP National Office at (800) 749-2257 or click here. All applications must be received by November 30, 2005.

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.