Washington, D.C., Aug. 30, 2008 – The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) presented Shad Ireland with the AAKP Patient Comeback of the Year Award, Friday, Aug. 29, during the 35th Annual AAKP National Convention. The AAKP Patient Comeback of the Year Award is presented to a kidney patient who has overcome major obstacles and displayed extraordinary courage and determination to take charge of his/her life and resume normal productive living.

Ireland has been a dialysis patient for more than 20 years. In 2004, he became the first dialysis patient to compete and complete an Ironman® triathlon, one of the most grueling events in sports. Ireland continues to compete in triathlons and through his foundation, the Shad Ireland Foundation and Team Ireland, he travels the country encouraging kidney patients to be active participants in their healthcare.

Ireland was the guest speaker at the Board of Directors Welcoming Reception during the AAKP Convention and is participated in an educational session, The Importance of Exercise. “For years, Shad Ireland has been committed to making a positive impact in the lives of kidney patients,” stated AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN. “I believe patients get a real sense of what is possible when Shad speaks. It was an honor to have him involved in the AAKP National Convention and honor his work in the kidney community.” Ireland’s participation in the AAKP Convention was provided by Fresenius Medical Care.

The AAKP National Convention is the largest of its kind where patients can interact with each other as well as world renowned healthcare professionals. Patients learn the most current information about kidney disease, treatment options and key topics on living with the effects of kidney disease.

For more information about the AAKP National Convention, please call 800-749-AAKP or www.aakp.org. For pictures of the award ceremony, contact Jerome Bailey, AAKP Communications Manager, at jbailey@aakp.org. 

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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.