Did you know? According to the National Kidney Foundation's 2008
Annual Report, more than 26 million Americans have chronic kidney
disease?
Statistics like these are great to help your congressmen and visitors during KDAE Week learn about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
More memorable sometimes than statistics are personal stories and images that can invoke emotional responses. It can be surprising sometimes how many visitors can relate to a personal story, or remark how a family member may be going through the same situation. And while I might remember for quite awhile how many Americans have CKD, I will never forget a personal situation. For example, the husband of one of my good friends developed kidney disease. He went many years with different levels of functionality before finally needing to go on dialysis last year. However, shortly after dialysis, and after being on the list for many years, he received a kidney transplant. It was such a huge blessing and wonderfully happy time. Knowing his story and what his family went through made nephrology so much more interesting and important to me.
So during this KDAE Week, August 10-14, get out and educate not only your congressman, but your community, about kidney disease! I hope many of you have scheduled
visits with your Congressmen and other local representatives! If you
have, make sure to let ANNA know by
clicking here to report your visit.
Don't forget - while this week is designated as a special week to
dedicate to educating others about kidney disease, any week during the
year is a great choice!