Chronic Kidney Disease Award
Posted by brinkman on December 27, 2006
The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is pleased to announce the recipients of its annual Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Awards – the AAKP Spirit of Service Award and AAKP Visionary Award.
These awards, which were presented during AAKP’s 32nd Annual Convention in Las Vegas, are designed to honor a patient and physician who have performed extraordinary service on behalf of those with CKD.
The AAKP Spirit of Service Award was established to honor a kidney patient who raises awareness of CKD in his or her community.
This year’s recipient, Jenna Lynne Smith of Iowa City, Iowa, is an inspiring example to fellow patients. An end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patient, she has used peritoneal dialysis, received a living-related kidney transplant, and currently uses hemodialysis to treat her kidneys.
She volunteers for numerous organizations, such as Kidneeds, an organization started by her family to support research to find a cure for membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type II, known as MPGNII. She makes jewelry, which can be found in jewelry stores throughout Iowa, as well as greeting cards to raise money for kidney research. She is also a regular participant in Habitat for Humanity.
In addition, she received an award by the 2005 Iowa Medical Society Alliance to recognize her community service endeavors, as well as the Peterson Scholarship through the University of Iowa Foundation for her scholastic achievements.
The AAKP Visionary Award was created to pay tribute to a physician for his or her outstanding performance in CKD education.
This year’s recipient, Jay Wish, MD, of Cleveland, has made a positive impact on kidney patients throughout the country.
He was selected for his exemplary efforts in patient education. Dr. Wish is a member of the AAKP Medical Advisory Board and regularly contributes to AAKP’s patient publications, including Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine. He has also participated in important, renal organizations, such as Be Active, the American Society of Nephrology, the International Society of Nephrology, the Renal Physicians Association, and the National Kidney Foundation. In addition, he has worked with ESRD Networks throughout the country for more than 20 years.
Each of these individuals spends countless hours ensuring that kidney patients, especially those with CKD, understand their disease and live life to the fullest. Both recipients have helped increase awareness of CKD among patients, family members and the general public.
It is estimated that CKD – a condition affecting the kidneys that may progress to kidney failure – affects more than 12 million Americans. The most common causes of CKD are diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure). AAKP would like to thank Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., for its generous sponsorship of the CKD awards presentation.
