FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
Media Contact:
Tenee Hawkins
404.658.1423
thawkins@kidneyfund.org

American Kidney Fund Announces Cover Art Winner in 16th Annual Contest for Pediatric Kidney Patients

ROCKVILLE, MD (June 21, 2011) - Today, the American Kidney Fund (AKF) announced Danielle L., 13, of Hendersonville, TN as the young artist who won the organization’s art contest for pediatric kidney patients. More than 3,600 people nationwide cast votes in AKF’s online contest to choose a cover artist for AKF’s 2012 wall calendar.

“Congratulations to Danielle and all of the young artists who participated in the contest by submitting exceptional artwork,” said LaVarne A. Burton, President and CEO of the American Kidney Fund.  “We are excited to incorporate online voting into the contest this year for the first time. The young artists are an inspiration to all of us and we are pleased that the public has decided that Danielle’s beautiful artwork will grace the cover of our calendar.”

Danielle’s drawing is a vivid depiction of the holiday she loves the most: Halloween. The piece, titled “Halloween Hope,” features a colorful pumpkin and a moth decorated with the American Kidney Fund’s circular logo.
 
At the age of two, Danielle was diagnosed with C1q nephropathy, a kidney disease in which a large amount of protein is lost in the urine.  Danielle manages her kidney disease by taking multiple medications every day and making frequent visits to the doctor.
 
It is estimated that as many as 31 million people in the United States are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of CKD. Left undiagnosed and untreated, CKD can lead to heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure and death.

As the cover winner, Danielle will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to be recognized at the American Kidney Fund’s annual national gala, The Hope Affair, on October 25, 2011. All 13 children who were named winners in the contest will have their artwork published in our nationally distributed 2012 wall calendar, and will receive a netbook computer and an education savings bond. The calendar will be available for purchase on the American Kidney Fund website in October.
 
Below is a listing of the 13 children whose artwork will be featured in the 2012 calendar:

Danielle, age 13, Hendersonville, TN
Janna, age 15, Folsom, CA
Claire, age 10, Kenosha, WI
Timothy, age 9, Irving, TX
Annika, age 13, Sunfish Lake, MN
Valerie, age 14, Green Island, NY
Quishay, age 17, Baltimore, MD
Justice, age 14, Chicago, IL
Jessica, age 14, Torrance, CA
Sophia, age 11, Seattle, WA
Angel, age 7, Tampa, FL
Kaylee, age 15, Fort Loudon, PA
Cristian, age 15, South Lyon, MI

For more information on the American Kidney Fund and the Calendar Kids Art Contest, visit www.kidneyfund.org.
 
# # #

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. The American Kidney Fund leads the nation in providing charitable assistance to dialysis patients who need help with the costs associated with treating kidney failure. Last year, 101,000 people—1 out of every 4 dialysis patients in the United States—received assistance from the American Kidney Fund for health insurance premiums and other treatment-related expenses. Millions of people nationwide benefit annually from the American Kidney Fund’s efforts to fight kidney disease through public awareness campaigns, free health screenings, health education materials and courses, online outreach, and toll-free health information HelpLine (866-300-2900).

As a nine-time recipient of the top “Four Star” rating from Charity Navigator, the American Kidney Fund is ranked among the top 1 percent of charities nationwide for fiscal accountability. In addition, the American Kidney Fund 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.