The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) exists to serve the needs, interests and welfare of all kidney patients and their families. Its purpose is to help patients and their families cope with the emotional, physical and social impact of kidney failure, thereby enabling them to resume productive and satisfying lives. Founded in 1969, AAKP is a national organization of more than 12,000 members, including patients, family members, renal professionals, friends and institutional members. It is the only national kidney patient organization directed by kidney patients for kidney patients and reaches over 1 million patients per year with needed information about kidney disease.