The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is honored to recognize the recipients of the 2024 Medal of Excellence Award.
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AAKP 2024 MEDAL OF EXCELLENCE HONOREES
Our Blog
AAKP strives for change by promoting and celebrating the importance of kidney health for patients across the country. This blog will allow you to connect with experts, researchers, staff and volunteers surrounding our ongoing advocacy for healthy kidneys.
A Blessing to Others, AAKP Ambassador Precious McCowan Shares Her Story with Kidney Disease
By Deborah Pelaez, aakpRENALIFE Independent WriterImagine this. There exists a girl who possesses an appearance that deceives the eye, for she stands at a mere five feet one inch tall. Yet, do not be misled by her stature, for within her lies a smile of such magnitude that it illuminates an entire room!
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Donate Life Month: Rick Daynes, Altruistic Living Kidney Donor, Super Dad, and More!
By Deborah Pelaez, aakpRENALIFE Independent WriterFrom the time he was young, Rick Daynes knew that his O negative blood type could help people. His mother and father also had O negative blood, and his mother always said, “Give blood whenever you can. God blessed you with a gift that you can give to anyone.
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National Kidney Month: “I Am More Than My Kidney Disease…” AAKP Ambassadors Respond
March is National Kidney Month. Help spread the word about kidney disease this month by sharing your personal story along with educational resources with your friends, family, and community. Kidney disease is a silent killer—let’s end the silence.In this article, AAKP Ambassadors share why they are more than their kidney disease.
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Navigating Kidney Disease: A Journey of Mind and Body
By Jennifer Jones, U.S.M.C., AAKP Vice PresidentMy journey with kidney disease has been a profound lesson in the importance of nurturing both the mind and body. In May 2020, I faced a challenging period of hospital visits while battling transplant rejection and severe anemia.
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Aging in the Kidney
By Stephen Z. Fadem, MD, FASN, AAKP Medical Advisory Board ChairHave you noticed that you cannot run and tumble like a young kid? The younger people working out at the gym are far bulkier than their fathers and grandfathers – and me. On average, professional athletes retire by age 30.
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Connected Forever by Love, Kidneys, and Paintings: The Kidney Journey of Gabriel and Melissa Delgado
Gabriel and Melissa married in Half Moon Bay, California, in 2007 after many years of friendship and dating. The two moved to San Antonio, Texas, shortly after, where they had two children and successful careers. Gabriel worked in the arts, and Melissa worked in the tourism industry.
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A Week at Camp Boggy Creek: AAKP Staff Member Valerie Gonzalez Shares Her Experience
Valerie Gonzalez began her career with AAKP over 18 years ago in May 2005 as an administrative assistant and now leads the entire administrative team as AAKP’s Director of Office Operations. If you have ever been to an in-person AAKP event or visited the AAKP booth at a kidney conference, you may have met Valerie over the years.
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A RESILIENT SPIRIT: THE INSPIRING STORY OF AAKP AMBASSADOR SUSAN BROWN
Susan Brown grew up in a military family. Her father, Harry Burdick, and his side of the family served in every war since the Revolutionary War. He received three Bronze Stars for his service in the 151st Infantry Division while stationed in the Philippines during World War II.
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From the Heart of a Caregiver: Bobbie Reed Shares Her Journey
The Journey BeginsBobbie Reed first became a caregiver when her son Alex was diagnosed with kidney disease shortly after he graduated from Penn State in 2013. Alex was always a healthy and athletic child and played baseball in college.
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