Washington, D.C., Aug. 29, 2008 - The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is pleased to announce the appearance of Oliver Hale, also known as Chef O, at the AAKP 35th Annual Convention. The award winning chef, television show host and kidney transplant recipient is leading a diet and nutrition educational session at the Annual Convention on Friday, Aug. 29, 2008, from 10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. In this session, Chef O discusses the importance of maintaining good nutrition for individuals with kidney disease or at risk of developing kidney disease.

“We are excited to have Chef O at our Annual Convention,” states AAKP Executive Director/CEO Kris Robinson. “The Convention attendees will learn just how vital proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are to managing kidney disease. Chef O understands the needs of kidney disease patients because he’s a patient himself.”

The 35th Annual AAKP Convention provides kidney patients, their friends and family, and healthcare professionals the opportunity to discuss concerns and share experiences while learning about important issues affecting their healthcare. It is the largest Convention where kidney patients can interact face-to-face with other kidney patients and healthcare professionals.

Chef O is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based professional chef who received a kidney transplant in 1985 following kidney failure and a heart attack. He produces and hosts “Chef O’s Place” a live television cooking show that features Michigan celebrity guests and broadcasts in the Grand Rapids area. Chef O also works hard to raise awareness of kidney disease and organ donation by performing healthy cooking demonstrations across the country.

“Chef O is a great addition to the AAKP Convention,” stated AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN. “Kidney patients always asked questions about nutrition and diet, and Chef O can help take some of the mystery out of kidney friendly nutrition.”

The AAKP National Convention runs from Aug. 28 – Aug. 31, in Washington, D.C. at the Grand Hyatt Washington. For more information about the AAKP Annual Convention, call (800) 749-AAKP or visit the AAKP Web site. Media interested in attending the AAKP National Convention, contact Jerome Bailey, Communications Manager, at 813-636-8100. The session, “Maintaining Adequate Nutrition with Chronic Kidney Disease,” is sponsored by Shire Pharmaceuticals.

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.