TAMPA, Fla. August 25, 2005 -- The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) will welcome the
iKidney.com^® Fourth Annual Essay Contest grand prize winner as a special guest of its 32nd Annual Convention, held Sept. 1-4 in Las Vegas.

As the winner, Latrice Bolling, of Baltimore, was awarded a free trip for herself and a guest to attend the patient convention of her choice. She will be recognized during AAKP’s Convention Welcoming Ceremonies, held Sept. 2.

“I’m so excited about attending the AAKP Convention. I think it’s great that iKidney gives patients such as wonderful opportunity,” said Latrice. “So many people think having kidney disease means you can’t live a normal life. The iKidney contest is a wonderful vehicle for patients to share their stories and show others that life doesn’t end with kidney disease.”

Latrice, who was diagnosed with Lupus 10 years ago, learned she had kidney disease in 2003. She used hemodialysis treatment for more than one year and now uses peritoneal dialysis. She is currently awaiting a living donor kidney transplant.

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.