AAKP's Pediatric Kidney Pals - October 2019
It's Celebration Time!
AAKP's 1st Annual Fun Walk

Join us on December 7, 2019 to walk through the decades to celebrate AAKP's 50th Anniversary! Participate from anywhere! Read about the 3 easy ways to participate: In person, Nationwide & Globally, or Virtually below!   Register  Individually or as a Team;  $25 per individual walker.

In person:  AAKP's 1st Annual Fun Walk will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Lowry Park in Tampa, FL . The event will include a 1 Mile Fun Walk, Exhibitors, Music, and Family Fun Activities.
 
Nationwide & Globally: Not in Florida? Not in the U.S.? No worries! You can still be part of the big day! Register for the walk, build a team of family members, friends, or co-workers and get out and walk on Dec. 7th! Send pictures of you and your team to be shared LIVE throughout the walk on AAKP's social media pages! Post your own pictures and tag us  #AAKPFUNWALK19.
 
Virtually: If you're not available Dec. 7th or have 
limitations that prevent you from being able to participate, whether you're local or across the globe, AAKP has made it easy for you to join in on the fun! Register for the walk independently or build a virtual team and show your support by participating in the social media activities and raising funds to support AAKP!
 
Click on the blue button to learn more.
In This Issue
AAKP offers a Cystinosis Scholarship Program

AAKP has broadened its education, advocacy efforts, and services to those impacted by Cystinosis and is offering a Cystinosis Scholarship Program.
 
Cystinosis is a rare genetic, metabolic, lysosomal storage disease caused by gene mutations which results in an abnormal accumulation of the amino acid cystine in various organs and tissues of the body.
 
AAKP will offer the AAKP Cystinosis Patient Education and Activity Scholarship Program for those diagnosed with the disease that are within a certain age bracket. Scholarship funds are accessible to individuals between the ages of 5-17 years old and those 18 and older whom are diagnosed with Cystinosis. 

PATIENT SPOTLIGHT:
Our Top Pick of Inspiring Stories about Young Patients
 
The domino effect of a transplant is a gift that can keep on giving.  Hillary Weidner explains how her daughter, Beatrice "Bea" Weidner, whom she had previously donated her liver to, Bea's friend Zack Zerbe, and their younger siblings had a lemonade stand over Labor Day weekend in Ohio. 

The parents were focused on teaching their children about giving back but soon found out they made a bigger impact. After earning funds from the lemonade stand, they all decided to donate to the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
 
This story shows how we can all, no matter how young or old can impact the future and how our gifts can keep on giving. 

Click the button below to be inspired by their journey.

Do you have an inspiring pediatric kidney patient in your life?  Share their story with AAKP by emailing  dpelaez@aakp.org .  
PREVENTION SPOTLIGHT:  Awareness and prevention needed to slow the progress of CKD
By Barry H. Smith, M.D. and a multi-time presenter for AAKP

It is noted that many Americans are unaware of their declining kidney function. Some may not be able to link their medical issues, such as high blood pressure with the endurance of their kidney function.

Kidney failure is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States and if detected early, kidney disease can sometimes be prevented as well. True impactful prevention activities will need to start by everyone.  Mr. Smith states the key to success will be how efficiently we educate kidney patients and encourage lifestyle changes. 

It is imperative to stress how essential it is for there to be school education programs on nutrition and for physical activity to be a part of one's wellness. Hands-on education and activities based on prevention must be easy to access. However, those who are at risk must be involved in taking charge of their own health.

Click the blue button below to read the full article

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