By Jennifer Rose Parker, RDN, CSR, LDN Now you can eat like an Italian or Grecian local—even while
state-side. Perhaps you have heard that the Mediterranean diet is one of
the healthiest diets of all times, boasting weight loss, improved diabetes
management and better health for all. But did you know that even with Chronic
Kidney Disease (CKD), you too can enjoy this diet and reap the benefits? If living with CKD is new to you, take heart—the
Mediterranean diet will give you flexibility and help protect your kidneys.
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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.
AAKP 2019 National Patient Meeting – Meet the Planning Committee: Daronta Briggs
Daronta Briggs (Hampton, VA) was diagnosed with kidney disease in early 2008 and began hemodialysis that summer. He continued treatment until 2012, when he received a kidney transplant on October 24th. His journey didn't end there. Being a veteran himself (Gulf War of 1990-91), Daronta finds it very important to spread awareness about kidney disease, especially to veterans. Because of this, he even started his own organization called the Veterans Transplantation Association in August of 2016, in which he implemented a mentorship program for veterans currently on dialysis.
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AAKP Innovator Series: Dr. Robert Star
Robert A. Star, M.D., is the director of the Division of
Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases at the National Institute of
Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National
Institutes of Health (NIH). aakpRENALIFE interviewed Dr. Star to learn more
about his career and NIDDK’s current kidney-related research projects: As the leader of a major Federal government program at the National Institutes of Health, you serve America and our fellow citizens as a U.S. civil servant. Can you describe why you chose to serve our country as a public servant?
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Patient Profile: National Kidney Month
By Deborah Pelaez, AAKP Marketing and Communications Manager In honor of National Kidney Month, AAKP is sharing stories from patients, a caregiver and a healthcare professional on their unique outlook on life and kidney disease awareness. You can help spread the word about kidney disease this month by sharing your personal story and perspective with friends, family and the kidney community – kidney disease is a silent killer – let’s end the silence.
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Walking For Kidney Transplants
By Jim Myers, AAKP Board Member, Ambassador Posted: February 5, 2019 I have often been asked why I take such long walks. I was in my transplant doctor’s office a few months back. He gave me that look. You know the look. Like that look your Dad used too give you before the stern lecture was coming. The serious discussion lecture. He told me I was not getting enough exercise, and I should try to get out more. He suggested walking. I’ve never been an athlete. I have avoided exercise in the past. I’ve always been an academic. I hated gym class. But I knew he was right.
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Message From AAKP President: Winter 2019
Welcome to 2019! As we enter the new year, I want to thank AAKP’s professional staff as well as our loyal patients, caregivers, and professional members for all of their support during a very successful 2018. Also, I want to acknowledge the tremendous support received from our allies and industry partners who embraced the concept of patient engagement and have worked with us to infuse AAKP’s culture further into the renal community. Much of AAKP’s success is built upon the implementation of a National Strategy geared at leveraging our unique position within the renal community.
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AAKP AMBASSADOR BRUCE TIPPETS – I’M GOING BACK TO DC FOR THE KIDNEY SUMMIT
AAKP Ambassador, Bruce Tippets, a journalist in Utah, shares his excitement in being asked to share his kidney story at AAKP’s Capitol Hill Day in March for National Kidney Awareness Month. Read below. January 28, 2019 –When I checked my email on Jan. 9, I couldn’t believe it, but I was invited to participate March 5-6 at the National Kidney Patient Summit in Washington D.C. by American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP). This is the second year in a row, I will be able to represent AAKP at the summit.
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Thriving, not just Surviving on Home Dialysis
By Melissa Bensouda, AAKP Ambassador Photo: Representing Missouri at RPA Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill – Dr. Gary Singer, MD; Melissa Bensouda, AAKP Ambassador MO; Kinza Bensouda (daughter) At one point in my childhood I had dreamed of becoming a nurse. That dream quickly changed when I learned about the “behind the scenes” things nurses did to care for sick patients – my stomach wasn’t cut out for it. I would have never imagined that my desire to help sick patients would now be best used to save my own life with home dialysis.
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AAKP BOD and Ambassador Dave White Describes his Experience at the 2018 Summer Transplant Games of America
By AAKP BOD and Ambassador, Dave White Dave White at the Transplant Games of America I heard a supporter yell “Go Maryland!” while I was chugging my way around the last turn into the home stretch. I saw three runners ahead of me and said to myself “oh well, no medal today.
Grayson Lives On – Potter’s Syndrome (posted August 24, 2018)
By Kent Bressler, AAKP BOD and Ambassador My nephew, Todd Bressler, is a kind, mellow, hardworking father of three. He and his wife Shanna found out that their fourth child, who they would name Grayson, would be born without kidneys and profoundly limited lung function. When Todd called and told me I thought immediately of Representative Jaime Hererra-Beutler, (R-WA) who received news that their child would be born without kidneys in 2013.
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