Michigan Kidney Patient Goes Above and Beyond to Help His Community - Awarded National DPC ...( Award Given to Local Lansing Pati...),Health

Award Given to Local Lansing Patient to Recognize His Leadership in the Kidney Community

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- DaVita Patient Citizens (DPC) -- a nationwide patient advocacy group comprised of more than 22,000 dialysis and pre-dialysis patients and family members -- is proud to honor dialysis patient Erich Ditschman as its February 2008 DPC Hero Award recipient. The DPC Hero award is a national recognition of empowered and heroic individuals who make a difference in the lives of dialysis patients and their communities.

"We are honored to recognize Erich as a DPC Hero for his impressive leadership in educating others about kidney disease and raising much-needed funds for the Michigan kidney community," said DPC President Patricia Orna. "The DPC Hero award program strives to reflect the spirit of the thousands of people whose efforts make a difference in the lives of others, whose stories too often go untold. We are inspired by Erich's continued support and hard work, and we thank him for his service to the kidney community."

First diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (otherwise known as kidney failure) in 2000, Ditschman has led the fight in raising awareness about kidney disease, both in Michigan and nationally. Having suffered through numerous failed transplants and medical procedures, he now is able to dialyze at home and has become an active DPC Ambassador - having met with Congressional leaders and staff in Washington, D.C. to discuss the importance of providing necessary education and resources for dialysis patients. He has also organized and led a team for the past six years at the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan's annual Mid-Michigan Walk. Ditschman's team, "The River Dudes," has raised over $42,000 to-date to benefit kidney disease. A husband, father of two, and avid outdoorsman, Ditschman has been a source of inspiration in his community and an esteemed leader in raising awareness at the lo
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