TAMPA, Fla., May 20, 2009 – The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is currently accepting nominations for its 2009 Annual Awards. The awards recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the renal community and demonstrated commitment to carrying out the mission of AAKP. Award winners are honored at the 36th Annual AAKP Convention held in Denver, Colo., September 3 - 5.

This year, AAKP has added a new award, the Kris Robinson Memorial Award. This award is given in honor of AAKP’s former Executive Director, Kris Robinson, who served AAKP faithfully for 18 years. The Kris Robinson Memorial Award winner will share Kris’ vision of improving the welfare of patients and their quality of life. Other Annual Award categories include: 

• Samuel J. Orenstein Award is presented to an AAKP member who consistently provides extraordinary service to achieving AAKP’s goals.
• AAKP Patient Comeback of the Year Award celebrates the bravery of an exceptional patient.
• Josephine Berman Award honors a patient or family member who strives to achieve AAKP’s goals and continues to inspire others.
• AAKP Volunteer of the Year honors a special AAKP volunteer.
• Caregiver Award is bestowed upon a caregiver who has taken extraordinary steps to care for a loved one. 

“The AAKP Annual Awards are a great way to recognize the individuals and organizations who work tirelessly on behalf of the Association and the nation’s kidney patients,” said AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN. “We will also honor a recipient with the Kris Robinson Memorial Award in recognition of our much beloved former Executive Director. Kris had a passion for the Association. She showed great compassion for all kidney patients and she was fearless when it came to standing up for the rights of kidney patients. She is dearly missed.”

Nomination forms are available by contacting AAKP at (800) 749-AAKP or by visiting the AAKP Web site, www.aakp.org/events/convention/2009/awards. To be considered, all nominations must be post marked and mailed to AAKP no later than Monday, June 30, 2009. Self nominations are both encouraged and accepted.
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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.