Tampa, Fla., September 1, 2009 – Join Ironman Shad Ireland as he shares his triumphant story with kidney disease patients and health care professionals at the American Association of Kidney Patients’ 36th Annual Convention. Titled, Going the Extra Mile, the AAKP National Convention is the only Convention of its kind, attracting chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, dialysis patients, kidney transplant recipients and health care professionals from across the country for three days of educational sessions and exciting social events.

Doctors diagnosed the 37-year-old triathelete with kidney failure at age 10. He has been on dialysis for the majority of his life, surviving two failed kidney transplants over the years. But his condition has never stopped him from accomplishing extraordinary athletic feats. In 2004, he became the first dialysis patient to complete an Ironman triathlon, after running, swimming and biking for more than 16 hours. Last year, Ireland completed five triathlons, and this summer, he biked 4,639 miles across the United States on his “What Inspires You” bike tour to promote CKD education and awareness, and to encourage people on dialysis to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. Along the way he stopped and spoke at community events and visited more than 45 Fresenius Medical Care North America dialysis facilities. He also received his dialysis treatments at Fresenius dialysis facilities throughout the tour.

“Shad Ireland goes the extra mile in all his endeavors and is an inspiration to all kidney patients,” stated AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN. “Living with kidney disease is a challenge. He is an excellent example of what a little perseverance and hard work can achieve. I’m sure patients will benefit from hearing his message.”

Come hear Ireland speak on Friday, Sept. 4 during the Convention’s Opening Session beginning at 9:00 a.m. One-day registrations are available. Patient/Family one-day registrations are $25. Health care professional one-day registrations are $50 and continuing education credits (CEUs) are offered for licensed social workers. The AAKP National Convention takes place at the Hyatt Regency Denver, Sept. 3-5. Call (800) 749-2257 or visit www.aakp.org/events/Convention for more information. To learn more about Shad Ireland visit www.ultracare-dialysis.com/shadireland. Media outlets who would like to attend, please call Jerome Bailey at 813-787-7218.

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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.