NxStage Director of Public Policy Honored for Dedication to Patient Advocacy

LAWRENCE, Mass., Oct. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- NxStage® Medical, Inc.  (Nasdaq: NXTM), a leading manufacturer of innovative dialysis products, is proud to announce that Linda Upchurch, Director of Public Policy at NxStage, has been named the recipient of Home Dialyzors United's inaugural Richard J. Berkowitz Memorial Award in memory of the organization's founder. Home Dialyzors United (HDU) is a non-profit organization grounded in raising awareness of the clinical and lifestyle benefits of home dialysis treatment for kidney failure patients. HDU established this award to recognize an individual who embodies Berkowitz's legacy by showing tremendous commitment to patient education and advocacy. 

On October 23, 2014, Upchurch was honored at the organization's 5^th annual conference in Indianapolis for embracing these attributes through her unique, creative leadership at NxStage in championing the cause of home dialyzors and their families in both local and national forums.

Upchurch was acknowledged for her diligent commitment to patient choice with respect to home dialysis modalities, demonstrated by her exceptional work over the years in advocating for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to remove payment and educational barriers to home dialysis. Upchurch has supported HDU as an important patient advocacy organization since its inception as NxStage Users.

"I am humbled to receive such an esteemed award that commemorates the legacy of a dear friend and colleague," said Upchurch. "I am a patient advocate at heart, and Rich was a fantastic partner for me and advocate for his fellow patients. This award further fuels my commitment to fighting for patient rights."

"Upchurch's dedication to HHD patients is truly remarkable," said Melissa Sondergaard, HDU Board Member and HHD patient care partner for her husband, Henning Sondergaard. "Her support to kidney disease patients and everyone affected by kidney disease is priceless. Linda is an exemplary member of our community as an advocate, championing the cause to make our lives better on a daily basis."

About NxStage Medical, Inc.  
NxStage is a medical device company, headquartered in Lawrence, Massachusetts, USA, that develops, manufactures and markets innovative products for the treatment of ESRD and acute kidney failure. For more information on NxStage and its products, please visit the Company's website at www.nxstage.com.

Media contact: 
Meredith D'Agostino 
[email protected] 
516-884-7162

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SOURCE NxStage Medical, Inc.

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