American Association Of Kidney Patients Seeks Entries For "AAKP Says I Can!" Campaign

Main Category: Urology / Nephrology
Article Date: 17 Oct 2007 - 3:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is seeking entries to its AAKP Says I Can! campaign. The campaign's goal is to raise awareness about all stages of kidney disease. It will also demonstrate that those who suffer from chronic kidney disease and those who require artificial renal support can and do live productive lives.

Millions of Americans suffer from some form of kidney disease. There is a perception that most kidney disease patients are on dialysis and spend the majority of their life hooked up to a machine. AAKP has taken on this initiative to increase the positive perception of kidney disease and its treatment options.

"There are many myths and misconceptions about dialysis," says AAKP Executive Director/CEO Kris Robinson. "Most people tend to think of kidney patients as older adults just sitting in a clinic or hospital hooked up to a machine all day and then going home to sit in front of the television. That's far from the truth. Patients with renal disease are living full lives, holding down full time jobs, raising families and traveling the world."

AAKP encourages patients to share their stories with fellow kidney patients. "We believe patients are inspired when they hear how someone in a similar situation as theirs, are living life to the fullest," state Roberta Wager, RN, MSN, AAKP President.

To submit your story to the AAKP Says I Can! campaign, complete the application on the AAKP Web site, http://www.aakp.org, and email your story to info@aakp.org. The essay should be 800 words or less. AAKP wants patients to share their life's story and how they are still able to do the things they did before dialysis or transplantation. Dialysis and kidney transplant patients are strongly encouraged to apply. Entries can also be faxed or mailed to the AAKP National Office. The deadline to submit an application is Feb. 15, 2008. Winners will be announced in March in honor of Kidney Disease Awareness Month.

The individuals selected receive a free 2008 Convention registration and complimentary lodging at the official Convention hotel in Washington, D.C. They will also have their picture and story featured on posters in dialysis units, transplant units and doctor's offices throughout the country.

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.

American Association Of Kidney Patients