TAMPA, FLA. - November 18, 2009 – The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) today formally announced the opening for submissions for a nation-wide art contest. The competition, which is open to patients, family members and caregivers, challenges artists, through their craft, to depict how kidney disease has affected them and help raise awareness of reduced kidney function.

“We are excited to offer individuals affected by kidney disease an opportunity to put a visual picture to the disease,” stated AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN. “This is also a great creative outlet for individuals and I’m sure it will be emotionally healing for some people to get their feelings down on paper.”

The deadline to submit artwork is Friday, February 26, 2010 – just in time for National Kidney Month which begins March 1. The illustrations will be placed on the AAKP Web site for public judging from March 15-April 15. Winners are announced in April.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 26 million Americans. Another 20 million are at an increased risk of developing the disease. This artwork contest helps AAKP to bring attention to the importance of the kidneys and the impact of kidney disease and its associated health conditions.

The top three selected pieces of artwork (one in each age group category) will be turned into all occasion greeting cards and be offered as Association fundraisers. Winners will receive a complimentary pack of their artwork greeting card along with an award certificate for their accomplishments.

Contest guidelines and entry form can be downloaded by visiting the AAKP Web site, www.aakp.org/events/artowrk-contest. Please contact AAKP at (800) 749-2257 or info@aakp.org for any questions or concerns.


                                                                                       ###
AAKP is the voluntary, patient organization, which for 40 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.