Fresenius Medical Care Recognizes 31 Patient Champions in 31 Days for National Kidney Month

In honor of National Kidney Month in March, Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA), the world's largest integrated provider of products and services for individuals undergoing dialysis because of chronic kidney failure, is recognizing 31 patient champions across the U.S. who are living their lives to the fullest while managing a chronic illness.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, there are more than 26 million American adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a progressive, usually permanent loss of kidney function, and millions more are at risk. As CKD progresses, it can lead to end stage renal disease (ESRD), which requires a kidney transplant or dialysis to stay alive.

FMCNA has selected 31 dialysis patients to be honored throughout the 31 days in March. They are being recognized for their dedication to their dialysis treatment programs; positive attitudes in the face of chronic illness; and the inspiration they provide to other patients, as well as to friends and neighbors in their communities.

"During National Kidney Month, we are pleased to honor these 31 patients who demonstrate that people with CKD can lead well-rounded, fulfilling lives,” says Rice Powell, CEO of Fresenius Medical Care North America. "Many successful long-term dialysis patients are self-reliant people who have embraced their treatment program, and want to live as normal a life as possible.”

Patients were nominated by their caregivers and their peers. Those being recognized are exceptional in many different ways. They are dedicated to their overall health and have a positive outlook on their condition. Some are active in kidney foundations and community organizations, while others take an active role in their clinics, mentoring other patients or simply bringing a smile to their faces. Some patients manage to work full-time in addition to their treatment schedules – typically going to a clinic four hours a day, three times a week, or administering their own treatment at home.

FMCNA recognizes the following 31 patient champions during National Kidney Month. Patient stories will be posted in March at www.ultracare-dialysis.com.

FMCNA Patient Champions

Tim Morgan, 51, Caldwell, WV
Harvey Jones, 56, Kernersville, NC
Nancy Weirich, 63, Hagerstown, MD
Kelvin Wright, 35, Florence, SC
Robert Whitley, 48, Lenoir, NC
Kelly Miller, 43, Bristol, TN
Joann Ratliff, 62, Burnsville, WV
Gracie Castro, 53, Bonita, CA
Cecel Hollingsworth, 61, Pflugerville, TX
Mary Ann Milo, 39, Avondale, AZ
Pamela Murchison, 59, Portland, OR
David Bosse, 51, Elk Point, SD
Marian Carr, 41, Kansas City, MO
Manuel Ibarra, 59, Elsa, TX
Roland Martinez, 53, San Antonio, TX
Francis Boeding, 61, Ham Lake, MN
Anthony Lee, 43, Saginaw, MI
Patrick Woods, 53, Pittston, ME
Homer Scott, 84, Dover, OH
Andrew Stasny, 77, Dagsboro, DE
John Hrivnak, 41, Columbus, OH
Joe Farrar, 35, Lakewood, NJ
Richard Marietta, 67, Southington, CT
Vickie Lusby, 41, Memphis, TN
Tanysha Pitts, 33, Tampa, FL
Joseph Mann, 75, Pinckneyville, IL
Ronnie Glasper, 38, Monroe, LA
Niki Summers, 34, Nashville, TN
Anthony Culotta, 64, Metairie, LA
Charlisa Holmes, 43, Baton Rouge, LA
Marlene Meza, 62, Miami, FL

All Fresenius Medical Care facilities share the company’s UltraCare^® mission of delivering excellent, patient-centered care through innovative programs, the latest technology, continuous quality improvement and a focus on superior customer service.

Dialysis is a life-sustaining process that cleans waste products from the blood, removes extra fluids, and controls the body’s chemistry when a person’s kidneys fail. Dialysis patients typically require treatment on an ongoing basis unless they receive a kidney transplant.

About Fresenius Medical Care

Fresenius Medical Care North America is a subsidiary of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA, the world's largest integrated provider of products and services for individuals undergoing dialysis because of chronic kidney failure, a condition that affects more than 1,770,000 individuals worldwide. Through its network of 2,509 dialysis clinics in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Africa, Fresenius Medical Care provides dialysis treatment to approximately 192,800 patients around the globe. Fresenius Medical Care is also the world's leading provider of dialysis products such as hemodialysis machines, dialyzers and related disposable products. Fresenius Medical Care is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FME, FME3) and the New York Stock Exchange (FMS, FMS-p).

For more information about FMCNA’s U.S. network of more than 1,700 dialysis facilities, visit the Company's website at www.ultracare-dialysis.com (in English and Spanish). For more information about Fresenius Medical Care, visit the Company’s website: www.fmc-ag.com.