Tampa, Fla., June 12, 2008 - NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning, the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) and Shape Up New York™ teamed up for a successful youth basketball clinic and kidney disease education program. The event, held Tuesday, June 10, at the Jackie Robinson Community Center in East Harlem, N.Y., attracted local youths and their families. Mourning, who received a kidney transplant in 2003 after being diagnosed with kidney disease, shared his own story about his diagnosis and how he received a kidney transplant from a cousin.

Mourning and AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN, spoke to those in attendance about the importance of getting tested for the kidney disease. According to Wager, who is a two-time kidney transplant recipient, “Chronic kidney disease does not always have to progress to end-stage renal disease and dialysis. When caught in its early stages, patients can take steps, with the help from their healthcare team, to preserve their kidney function.”

It is estimated 26 million Americans suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Millions more are at risk due to high blood pressure and diabetes, the leading two causes of kidney disease. A report by the City University of New York and the Public Health Association of New York City states nearly 20 percent of the adult population in East Harlem and the South Bronx has diabetes.

“AAKP is always proud to reach out to individuals and their families members who are at risk of developing chronic kidney disease,” stated Wager. “Working with organizations like Shape Up New York allows us to come into direct contact with those who are most at risk.”

Doctors diagnosed Mourning with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in 2000. He received a kidney transplant in 2003. He is the center for the Miami Heat basketball team and has traveled the country sharing his story in hopes of helping others who have CKD and encouraging those at risk to get tested.

Shape Up New York is a free family fitness program offered at park sites, community centers and housing sites around New York City. AAKP would like to thank Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., for sponsoring the event. For more information about kidney disease, visit the AAKP Web site, www.aakp.org or call 800-749-AAKP. Pictures from the event are available here.