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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Tenee Hawkins
Director of Communications
404.658.1423
thawkins@kidneyfund.org
WASHINGTON (March 10)—The American Kidney Fund will bring a group of kidney patient advocates to Capitol Hill on World Kidney Day, March 11, in an effort to raise awareness about kidney disease among congressional leaders.
The American Kidney Fund (AKF) will join the National Kidney Foundation, Dialysis Patient Citizens and American Society of Nephrology for briefings with policymakers. AKF Advocates will meet with their respective Members of Congress to share their experiences living with kidney disease and to advocate on behalf of prevention initiatives.
“The American Kidney Fund is proud to collaborate with other members of the kidney care community for this year’s World Kidney Day celebration,” said LaVarne A. Burton, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Kidney Fund. “By working together with these organizations, and with the help of these brave patient advocates, we can create a powerful voice for kidney disease awareness and prevention.”
The American Kidney Fund (AKF) World Kidney Day 2010 advocates are:
- Phillip Atkins of Maryland, a dialysis patient and recipient of an AKF grant to obtain needed health care services
- Patricia Meyers of Illinois, a home dialysis patient
- Elizabeth Smith of Ohio, a patient living with chronic kidney disease
The evening before World Kidney Day, the American Kidney Fund will co-sponsor a reception on Capitol Hill. Patient advocates will have an opportunity to meet congressional leaders and members of the kidney care community.
For more information about the American Kidney Fund’s National Kidney Month celebration or the Advocacy Network, join the conversation on Facebook or visit www.kidneyfund.org.
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About the American Kidney Fund
The mission of the American Kidney Fund is to fight kidney disease through direct financial support to patients in need; health education; and prevention efforts. As the nation’s No. 1 source of treatment-related financial assistance to kidney patients, the American Kidney Fund in 2009 provided charitable grants totaling nearly $155 million to more than 87,000 dialysis patients in all 50 states.
The American Kidney Fund reaches tens of thousands of individuals each year with information about kidney health; operates a kidney disease screening program targeting high-risk populations; and maintains a toll-free HelpLine (866-300-2900) which provides education about kidney disease. The American Kidney Fund is a seven-time recipient of the highest “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator; holds an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy; adheres to the National Health Council Standards of Excellence; and is a member of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. For more information, visit www.kidneyfund.org.
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