TAMPA, Fla. December 12, 2005 -- Since its inception in early September, the American Association of Kidney Patients’ (AAKP) Disaster Relief Fund has provided more than $18,000 to aid kidney disease patients affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Due to generous contributions from dedicated individuals and companies, AAKP distributed grants directly to more than 55 patients. An estimated several thousand dialysis patients throughout Louisiana and Mississippi were affected by Hurricane Katrina.

“As a Mississippi resident, I have seen the tremendous impact Hurricane Katrina has had on patients in my area,” said AAKP President, Brenda Dyson. “As fellow patients, it is AAKP’s duty to support these individuals, and we are delighted to do so.”

AAKP would like to thank Amgen, Inc., Genzyme, Shire and each person who donated to the AAKP Disaster Relief Fund for their support and dedication.

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.