TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), which for more than 40 years has championed the cause of improving the lives of fellow kidney patients, is honored to partner with Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA), the nation’s leading network of dialysis facilities, in its Quarter Century Patient Recognition Program. The program recognizes FMCNA patients who have been on dialysis for 25 years or more.
“This program is a beacon of hope for the thousands of dialysis patients in this country,” stated AAKP President Carolyn Price. “It shows fellow patients and the community at large that there is life after a kidney disease diagnosis. Not only is there life, there is quality of life. These are strong, willful individuals who are dedicated to their treatment, well-being and overall health.”
"It's a great pleasure to honor the courage and persistence of these patients who have successfully coped with the rigors of dialysis for 25 years or more, and who have had an unwavering commitment to their frequent dialysis schedule. It is a testament to their strength, family support, and a dedication to having an active lifestyle, healthy diet, and working closely with their health care team," said Raymond Hakim, MD, chief medical officer at FMCNA. "This personal commitment to their health, combined with advancements in medical and technological tools, prove that patients can live long and healthy lives while on dialysis."
Dialysis is a life sustaining treatment for nearly 400,000 Americans with kidney failure. The majority of patients are treated at dialysis centers, where their blood is pumped through a machine the size of a small refrigerator. A special filter removes harmful wastes, extra salts and fluids. The process helps control blood pressure and maintains a proper balance of chemicals, such as potassium and sodium. There is no cure for kidney disease.
“AAKP is pleased to partner with Fresenius Medical Care in this special program,” said AAKP Executive Director Karen Ryals. “AAKP believes that patients who are active in their healthcare can and do live long productive lives. These patients are a testament to that belief.”
The Quarter Century Patient Recognition Program awards patients who have been on dialysis 25 years or more with a medal to signify their perseverance and commitment to achieving better health. AAKP will recognize Quarter Century award winners in an upcoming issue of aakpRENALIFE. Fresenius Medical Care North America also awards each of the recipients a 1-year AAKP Membership.
For more information about the American Association of Kidney Patients, call 1-800-749-2257 or visit www.aakp.org. To learn more about Fresenius Medical Care, please call 1-866-4-DIALYSIS (1-866-464-2597) or visit www.ultracare-dialysis.com.
About the American Association of Kidney Patients
AAKP is the voluntary, patient organization, which for more than 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
Fresenius Medical Care (NYSE: FMS) is the world’s leading company devoted to patient-oriented renal therapy. Through nearly 2,600 clinics in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Africa, we provide kidney dialysis treatments to approximately 199,000 patients worldwide. We are also the world's leading maker of dialysis products such as hemodialysis machines, dialyzers and related disposable products. Chronic kidney failure is a condition that affects about 1.9 million individuals worldwide.
For more information about the company’s more than 1,800 U.S. dialysis facilities, visit www.ultracare-dialysis.com (in English and Spanish). For more information about Fresenius Medical Care visit www.fmc-ag.com or www.fmcna.com.
CONTACT:
Loomis Group
Jaclyn Petros, 1-617-638-0022
[email protected]
or
Fresenius Medical Care
Rosemary Heinold, 1-781-699-4171
[email protected]
KEYWORDS: United States North America Florida Massachusetts
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Health Biotechnology Cardiology Hospitals Medical Devices Diabetes General Health
MEDIA:
| Logo |