Basketball Star Alonzo Mourning Offers “Words Of Strength” To Fellow Kidney Disease Patients (NAPSA)—Throughhis battle with kidney disease, NBA star Alonzo Mourning has found a new wayto lift the spirits of fellow patients. He is lending his support to a series of inspira- tional online greeting cards, “Words of Strength,” created especially for African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans, who are at increased risk for chronic kidney disease. To celebrate the launch of the “Words of Strength” series and as a part of their ongoing commitment to chronic kidney disease awareness, Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., marketer of PROCRIT (Epoetin alfa), has pledged cash donations to the National Kidney Foundation, the American Associ- ation of Kidney Patients and the American Kidney Fund for each online greeting card sent. “Chronic kidney disease can be a devastating illness that affects patients and their loved ones both mentally and physically,” said Karen Sendelback,executive direc- tor of the American Kidney Fund. “The electronic greeting cards are one way in which patients, family and friends can support each other through their battle against chronic kidney disease.” Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition in which the kidneys are unable to function effectively. More than 20 million Americans suffer from the disease and the number continues to rise, including among membersof the NBA star Alonzo Mourning helps lift the spirits of fellow kidney disease patients. African-American and Hispanic- American populations. An important and often overlooked symptom of chronic kidney disease is anemia, or a low red- blood-cell count. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Anemia can be a potentially debilitating condition that results in gradually worsening excessive tiredness and diminished ability to carry out routine activities. Com- mon symptoms of anemia include extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, decreased ability to concentrate and paleness. To show support for your friends and family affected by chronic kidney disease and related anemia, log onto www.American Greetings.com or www.Kidney Resource.com and send a personalized online greeting card. Note to Editors About PROCRIT: Procrit (Epoetin alfa) is for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease patients who are not on dialysis. PRocRIT is available by prescription only and is injected by doctors or nurses. PROCRIT is not for patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. High blood pressure has been noted in patients treated with PRocriT and blood pressure should be monitored carefully. Drugs like PROCRIT may increase the risk of blood clots and seizures. Loss of response to PRocRIT could be a sign of a very rare but serious condition. In studies, the most common side effects were high blood pressure, headache, joint pain and nausea. For full U.S. Prescribing Information and additional information on PROCRIT and anemia, visit www.procrit.com [nephrology findex.himl.
