Tampa, Fla., May 14, 2009 – The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is partnering with the Metropolitan Baptist Church and State Senator Vincent Hughes (D-PA) to host a Kidney Beginnings: Live program and health fair on Saturday, May 30, in Philadelphia. Kidney Beginnings: Live is a FREE kidney disease education program targeting the chronic kidney disease (CKD) population. The program is designed to educate individuals about the basics of kidney disease and proper kidney care.

The program includes presentations by Myrlita Clark, RN, and Maria Mentzel, RD, LDN. These two health care professionals have several years experience working with kidney disease patients. Programs last approximately three hours and feature informationon: what the kidney are and how they function; managing conditions that may lead to CKD, including diabetes and hypertension; side effects and challenges CKD patients face; and diet management and nutrition.

It is estimated 26 million Americans suffer from CKD. Diabetes and hypertension are the leading two causes of the disease. Kidney disease patients, those at risk of developing the disease, family members and friends are encouraged to attend the program. Attendees receive complimentary educational materials, learn about kidney disease in a welcoming atmosphere and have the opportunity to have questions answered by health care professionals.

The Kidney Beginnings: Live program takes place Saturday, May 30, at the Metropolitan Baptist Church located at 3500 Baring Street in Philadelphia from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The event includes a complimentary breakfast. To register for this program, please contact AAKP at 800-749-AAKP or register online at www.aakp.org/events/KB--Live.

AAKP would like to thank Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., Abbottt Laboratories and Amgen Inc. for their support of the Kidney Beginnings: Live program.

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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.