Basketball Star Alonzo Mourning Reaches Out to Fellow Kidney Disease Patients with New Series of Online Greeting Cards

Basketball Star Alonzo Mourning Reaches Out to Fellow Kidney Disease Patients with New Series of Online Greeting Cards

'Words of Strength' Cards Created Especially for African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans Affected by the Condition

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- After a long, life-threatening battle with kidney disease, NBA basketball star Alonzo Mourning has found a new way to lift the spirits of fellow patients. He is lending his support to a series of inspirational online greeting cards, "Words of Strength," created especially for African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans, who are at increased risk for chronic kidney disease. Today, the first of four cards in the series is now available, without cost to the public, to offer encouragement to those touched by chronic kidney disease, at http://www.americangreetings.com/. Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., is sponsoring the cards.

"The support of my friends and family really helped me through my most challenging time -- learning to cope with a disease that threatened both my life and career," said Mourning. "While it may seem like a relatively small token, receiving a card that recognizes your struggle can really mean a lot when dealing with this disease."

The launch of today's card marks the start of Black History Month during February. The unique series also will debut three additional online greeting cards to coincide with Kidney Disease Awareness Month in March, Women's Health Month in May and Hispanic Health Month in June. This month's card features one of Alonzo Mourning's favorite recipes -- jerk rubbed snapper -- custom- designed specifically for patients, like him, who are affected by chronic kidney disease. For patients with this condition, finding healthy, tasty recipes that balance specific nutritional needs, such as having a balanced diet and limiting sodium, potassium and phosphorus intake, is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

To celebrate the launch of the "Words of Strength" online greeting card series and as a part of their ongoing commitment to chronic kidney disease awareness, Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., marketer of PROCRIT(R) (Epoetin alfa), has pledged cash donations to the National Kidney Foundation, the American Association of Kidney Patients and the American Kidney Fund for each online greeting card sent. The National Kidney Foundation is a major voluntary health organization seeking to improve the health and well being of individuals and families affected by kidney and urinary tract diseases. The American Association of Kidney Patients is a national nonprofit organization that serves kidney patients and their families. The American Kidney Fund is a leading voluntary health organization that serves people with and at risk for kidney disease through direct financial assistance, comprehensive education, clinical education and community service programs.

"Chronic kidney disease can be a devastating illness that affects patients and their loved ones. It is important not only to treat the condition, but also to offer those touched by the disease with encouragement and support," said Tracy Fortson, Managing Director, Constituent Services of the National Kidney Foundation. "These new electronic greeting cards are one way in which patients, family members and friends can demonstrate their support for one another."

To show support for your friends and family whom are affected by chronic kidney disease, please log on to http://www.americangreetings.com/ and send a personalized online greeting card to your loved one.

About Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition in which the kidneys are unable to function effectively. According to the National Kidney Foundation more than 20 million Americans have chronic kidney disease and 20 million more are at increased risk, especially members of the 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. Common symptoms of anemia include extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, decreased ability to concentrate and paleness.

Many people with the condition may not know they have it or that treatments are available, but early diagnosis and treatment of both anemia and chronic kidney disease may help to improve health outcomes in later stages of illness.

About PROCRIT(R)

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, please visit http://www.procrit.com/nephrology/index.html.

About Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.

In 1990, Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. was established in Raritan, N.J. Since that time, Ortho Biotech and its worldwide affiliates have earned a global reputation for researching, manufacturing and marketing innovative healthcare products that enhance the quality of patients' lives. Ortho Biotech, located in Bridgewater, N.J., is an established market leader in Epoetin alfa therapy for anemia management across multiple indications. The company focuses its research and marketing efforts in four clinical areas: oncology, nephrology, immunology and surgery.


Source: Ortho Biotech Products, L.P.

CONTACT: Greg Panico of Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., +1-908-541-4062
(office), or +1-908-240-2011 (cell), gpanico1@gpcus.jnj.com; or Kaiva Klimanis
of Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, +1-212-884-4030 (office), or
+1-917-478-6811 (cell), kaiva.klimanis@ogilvypr.com, for Ortho Biotech
Products, L.P.

Web site: http://www.americangreetings.com/
http://www.procrit.com/nephrology/index.html


-------
Profile: intent