Our Blog

Christina and Michael Gilchrist Share Their Story for National High Potassium Day

April 24, 2024

Meet AAKP Ambassadors Christina and Michael Gilchrist, who are known throughout the kidney community as "Blind Chick Living" and "The Caretaker,” and their always close by service dog, Moose.

April 4, 2024

The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is honored to recognize the recipients of the 2024 Medal of Excellence Award.

April 3, 2024

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!

April 3, 2024

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.

March 31, 2024

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.

February 20, 2024

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.

February 20, 2024

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.

February 20, 2024

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.

January 6, 2024

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.

January 6, 2024

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.

Christina and Michael Gilchrist Share Their Story for National High Potassium Day

AAKP 2024 MEDAL OF EXCELLENCE HONOREES

A Blessing to Others, AAKP Ambassador Precious McCowan Shares Her Story with Kidney Disease

Donate Life Month: Rick Daynes, Altruistic Living Kidney Donor, Super Dad, and More!

National Kidney Month: “I Am More Than My Kidney Disease…” AAKP Ambassadors Respond

Navigating Kidney Disease: A Journey of Mind and Body

Aging in the Kidney

Connected Forever by Love, Kidneys, and Paintings: The Kidney Journey of Gabriel and Melissa Delgado

A Week at Camp Boggy Creek: AAKP Staff Member Valerie Gonzalez Shares Her Experience

A RESILIENT SPIRIT: THE INSPIRING STORY OF AAKP AMBASSADOR SUSAN BROWN