Tampa, Fla., May 14, 2007 – The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) announced today its first call for nominations for its 2007 Annual Awards. As part of AAKP’s ongoing public education efforts, the annual awards program recognizes key individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the renal community.

Award categories include:

Caregiver of the Year Award                             AAKP Spirit of Service Award                     

Samuel J. Orenstein Award                                Josephine Berman Award                            

Peter Lundin, MD Award                                  Dominick Gentile, MD Memorial Award                         

                                                AAKP Patient Comback of the Year

The Caregiver of the Year Award is a new award. It recognizes an individual who has gone beyond the call of duty in providing assistance and support to kidney patients.  

Patients, physicians, nurses, social workers, caregivers and anyone else who is an active member in the renal community is eligible for these awards. Self nominations are encouraged. The award winners are announced Saturday, Sept.1, 2007, during the AAKP 34^th Annual Convention. The Annual Convention is taking place Aug. 30 – Sept. 2, at the Adam’s Mark® St. Louis.

“We are honored to recognize outstanding achievements in the renal community,” said AAKP Executive Director/CEO Kris Robinson.  “I am excited about the addition of the Caregiver of the Year Award. Caregivers are selfless individuals who help make it possible for patients, like myself, to live productive lives.”

“This year’s award winners will join a group of leading kidney patients and professionals who share in AAKP’s mission of allowing kidney patients to be the leaders of their healthcare team,” said AAKP President Bobbi Wager, RN, MSN.

Nominations must be submitted to AAKP by Friday, July 6, 2007. To request a nomination form contact AAKP at (800) 749-AAKP. To download a nomination form, click here.