Tampa, Fla. – The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is holding its 35th Annual Convention in Washington, D.C., Aug. 28-31. The Convention is being held at the Grand Hyatt Washington located on H Street NW. During this four-day event, attendees participate in educational sessions for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to long-term dialysis and transplant patients. Participants also learn about various treatments for each stage of kidney disease.

“We are excited to be in our Nation’s Capitol helping kidney patients and their families obtain the information they need and want to live healthy productive lives,” stated AAKP President and two-time kidney transplant recipient Roberta Wager, RN, MSN. “We’re also celebrating the 35th anniversary of our Annual Convention which continues to grow and that means patients are really benefiting from the work we do year round.”

It is estimated 26 million people in the United States suffer from chronic kidney disease. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney disease. Those with a family history of kidney disease and minorities have an increased risk of developing the disease. The AAKP Annual Convention is the largest national convention of its kind to provide kidney disease patients, as well as their friends and family members the opportunity to discuss their concerns and share their experiences while learning about important issues affecting their healthcare. The Convention also hosts exciting social events where kidney patients can interact on a person-to-person basis with fellow patients and healthcare professionals.

Full registration packages and one day registrations are still available. Full registration packages start at $95 dollars. One day registrations start at $25. For more information about the AAKP Annual Convention, contact AAKP at 800-749-AAKP or www.aakp.org/events/convention/2008/. For media who would like to attend the Convention contact Jerome Bailey, AAKP Communications Manager, at jbailey@aakp.org or 813-636-8100 (office) 813-787-7218 (cell).

Facts about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

• 26 million Americans have CKD and another 20 million more are at increased risk.
• The progression of kidney disease can be slowed down if it caught early.
• Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease.
• Those with a family history of kidney disease are at higher risk of developing the disease.
• Heart disease is the major cause of death for all people with CKD.
• Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best estimate of kidney function.
• African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and seniors are at increased risk.
• Three simple tests can detect CKD: blood pressure, urine albumin and serum creatinine.

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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.