AAKP Independence Day Statement 2025
Dear AAKP Members, Friends, and Allies:
As we celebrate this Fourth of July, the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) proudly honors the courageous men and women who took a stand for liberty and battled to free our nation from the yoke of the tyrannical King of England over 250 years ago. These patriots braved enormous risks to their communities, families, and lives for the fundamental principles of liberty, freedom, and the radical notion that government should serve the people—and not the other way around.
Generations of patriots have selflessly worn our nation’s uniform and defended these freedoms throughout the decades and millennia that have passed to ensure we continue to live and prosper under the liberties that, to this day, make America an exceptional nation. The sacrifices of these men and women also remind us on this Fourth of July that liberty is not free, and that service to America comes in many forms of our own choosing.
At AAKP, we are also reminded on this day that freedom from chronic disease and its many burdens can be achieved if we put our ingenuity, creativity, free market, and best talents in service to the universal human ideals we ascribe to as a people. On this day, we should ask ourselves, as a kidney community, what bold ideas we are pursuing that have the same sophisticated vision of the future as our Founding Fathers, General George Washington, and the patriots under his command had for America. If we unite with purpose to pursue innovation, expand opportunities, and create healthcare systems centered on the people most in need, we cannot be defeated. All fellow citizens and people of goodwill shall stand with us.
Ask yourself who among us, as Americans, does not want to end avoidable suffering among families and communities affected by kidney diseases? Who among us does not seek an end to the disability, dependency, unemployment, and financial burdens caused by outdated kidney care, including hemodialysis? And, who among us, once aware of how mired in the past kidney care remains and how mortality remains commonplace and acceptable to some, would justify continued reliance on taxpayer funds and human costs to sustain this archaic system? The simple answer is that, apart from a few isolated special interests who do not speak for America or for kidney patients, very few would do so.
AAKP wishes every American good health and good cheer this Fourth of July. As a nation, there is always far more that unites us than divides us, and we should continue to advance and defend the principles and freedoms that shape the American experiment. Wherever you are today, please thank a veteran for their service and share what you are doing to help fellow Americans with kidney disease. If they share a story about a family member or friend who has suffered, listen closely and explain that this is why you are engaged in the noble fight for freedom from disease. We need more Americans to stand up and bring their empathy and common sense to this effort. Encourage them to become KidneyVoters™ and to raise their voices to support expanded research, science, and innovation—and to hold their elected and appointed leaders accountable. This summer, as Congressional leaders return to their districts, AAKP will launch our new All Kidney Policy is Local™ initiative so that every constituent impacted by kidney disease has an opportunity to remind their duly elected representative that the decisions they make in Washington, D.C. directly impact the lives and livelihoods of the people they serve.
We can, and will, win the battle against kidney disease and secure greater freedom for those at risk for and suffering from it. But we will only do so if we remember what we are capable of as Americans, strive to think bigger, and work to bring more friends and allies to this noble cause.
Thank you.
Edward V. Hickey III
President, American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP)
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
