The AAKP has announced the death of their Executive Director Kris Robinson:
Tampa, Fla., November 17, 2008 – The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its former Executive Director/CEO, Kris Robinson. Ms. Robinson died this morning in her parents Clearwater, Fla., home. She led the patient organization for 18 years and worked diligently to improve the lives of all kidney patients.
“Kris’ passing is felt by all in the renal community,” said AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN. “Her commitment to AAKP was unsurpassed and her vast contributions will always be remembered. She is missed greatly.”
During her time at AAKP, Ms. Robinson was influential in many of its achievements. She represented AAKP before organizations around the world, including appointment to the Health and Human Services Advisory Board on the Demonstration of a Bundled Case-Mix Adjusted Payment System for ESRD Services, Health and Human Services (HHS) Advisory Committee on Organ Transplantation, and various committees of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Ms. Robinson also testified before Congress on healthcare issues, and wrote and spoke frequently on kidney care issues, patient partnership in their healthcare and rehabilitation, legislative issues and managed care.
“As AAKP begins to celebrate its 40th anniversary, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Kris Robinson. For nearly half of the organization’s history, Kris played an instrumental role as its leader,” stated Acting AAKP Executive Director Kim Buettner. “Her devotion to AAKP and kidney patients throughout the country will always be remembered. AAKP and the kidney community have lost a true pioneer and visionary.”
AAKP will celebrate Ms. Robinson’s life and accomplishments in the January 2009 issue of aakpRENALIFE, the organization’s premiere publication which is distributed to 25,000 subscribers nationwide. Funeral arrangements are still being planned. As information on funeral arrangements becomes available, it will be posted on the AAKP Web site, www.aakp.org. For additional information contact AAKP at 800-749-AAKP or visit here for more information on Ms. Robinson’s accomplishments.
“Kris’ passing is felt by all in the renal community,” said AAKP President Roberta Wager, RN, MSN. “Her commitment to AAKP was unsurpassed and her vast contributions will always be remembered. She is missed greatly.”
During her time at AAKP, Ms. Robinson was influential in many of its achievements. She represented AAKP before organizations around the world, including appointment to the Health and Human Services Advisory Board on the Demonstration of a Bundled Case-Mix Adjusted Payment System for ESRD Services, Health and Human Services (HHS) Advisory Committee on Organ Transplantation, and various committees of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Ms. Robinson also testified before Congress on healthcare issues, and wrote and spoke frequently on kidney care issues, patient partnership in their healthcare and rehabilitation, legislative issues and managed care.
“As AAKP begins to celebrate its 40th anniversary, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Kris Robinson. For nearly half of the organization’s history, Kris played an instrumental role as its leader,” stated Acting AAKP Executive Director Kim Buettner. “Her devotion to AAKP and kidney patients throughout the country will always be remembered. AAKP and the kidney community have lost a true pioneer and visionary.”
AAKP will celebrate Ms. Robinson’s life and accomplishments in the January 2009 issue of aakpRENALIFE, the organization’s premiere publication which is distributed to 25,000 subscribers nationwide. Funeral arrangements are still being planned. As information on funeral arrangements becomes available, it will be posted on the AAKP Web site, www.aakp.org. For additional information contact AAKP at 800-749-AAKP or visit here for more information on Ms. Robinson’s accomplishments.
It was less than two months ago that Kris announced she had resigned as Executive Director but I think it is right to remember her as AAKP's Executive Director to the end. Today's AAKP is a monument to Kris's leadership. Rest in peace.
A little more info about Kris:
Doctors diagnosed Kris with cancer in January 2007. She wrote about her diagnosis in the September/October 2007 issue of aakpRENALIFE. In that article she wrote, "I firmly believe, just like with kidney disease, that the mindset is what ultimately helps one to do well with any chronic disease. Being positive, continuing to work or be active and believing that I can do well, has made a huge impact in my treatment." Kris was true to her word throughout her cancer battle, working at AAKP, traveling and spending quality time with friends and family members. To the end, she tried to live her life as an example of what is possible.
http://www.aakp.org/donate/Kris-Robinson-Memorial/index.cfm
Learn more about Kris through her writings:
Defining Moments
http://www.aakp.org/message/archive/Sept-message/
Quality Iniatives for Kidney Patients
http://www.aakp.org/message/archive/August/
20 Year Transplant Celebration
http://www.aakp.org/message/archive/July-2006/
RIP
Posted by: Zach | November 17, 2008 at 08:41 PM