AAKP And Fresenius Medical Care Partner To Honor Long-Term Dialysis Patients

AAKP And Fresenius Medical Care Partner To Honor Long-Term Dialysis Patients
09 Dec 2008

The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is pleased to partner with Fresenius Medical Care North America in its Quarter Century Patient Recognition Program. The program honors Fresenius Medical Care patients who have been on dialysis for 25 years or more and recognizes these individuals' dedication to their treatment, well-being and overall health.

"We all know dialysis treatment is life-saving, but it is also a huge commitment that changes a patient's lifestyle in many ways," stated AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN. "AAKP is proud to team up with Fresenius Medical Care to honor these extraordinary patients. Being on dialysis for 25 years or more shows these kidney patients are truly leaders in their health care."

J. Michael Lazarus, MD, of Fresenius Medical Care added, "These Quarter Century honorees are inspirations for all our dialysis patients. By their examples of long-term success, they help other patients remain motivated and on track."

Dialysis is a treatment, not a cure. The process cleanses a person's toxins and other wastes normally removed by the kidneys. It is generally used when a person's kidneys no longer function properly. There are more than 350,000 Americans on dialysis. Dialysis patients typically require treatment on an ongoing basis unless they receive a kidney transplant.

"AAKP was founded by six hemodialysis patients in 1969. We have a deep connection to long-time survival through any treatment modality," stated AAKP Membership Chair Sam Pederson. "Dialysis patients may face many obstacles in their health care, but these special individuals prove obstacles can be overcome. We are proud to honor these patients and all they have achieved while on dialysis."

The Quarter Century Patient Recognition Program awards patients who have been on dialysis for 25 years or more with a medal and plaque to signify their perseverance and commitment to achieving better health. AAKP will spotlight Quarter Century award winners in upcoming issues of aakpRENALIFE. Fresenius Medical Care also awards each of the recipients a 1-year membership to AAKP.

About AAKP

AAKP is the voluntary, patient organization, which for nearly 40 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.

About Fresenius Medical Care North America

Fresenius Medical Care North America is a subsidiary of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA, the world's largest integrated provider of products and services for individuals undergoing dialysis because of chronic kidney failure, a condition that affects more than 1,600,000 individuals worldwide. Through its network of 2,297 dialysis clinics in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Africa, Fresenius Medical Care provides dialysis treatment to approximately 177,059 patients around the globe. Fresenius Medical Care is also the world's leading provider of dialysis products such as hemodialysis machines, dialyzers and related disposable products. Fresenius Medical Care is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FME, FME3) and the New York Stock Exchange (FMS, FMS-p).

For more information about Fresenius Medical Care's U.S. network of more than 1,650 dialysis facilities, visit the Company's website at www.ultracare-dialysis.com. For more information about Fresenius Medical Care, visit the Company's websites: http://www.fmcna.com or http://www.fmc-ag.com.

Fresenius Medical Care North America

Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/132218.php