When I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 1968, no one really talked about my future because back in those days, they didn’t think I had one! But there was one person who finally gave me hope.
I was trying hard to overcome yet another medical hurdle during one of my many hospital stays when my doctor said, “Lori, someday you’re going to write a book and call it I Can.” He went on to tell me how important my attitude and strong will were to my recovery. That was the first time I started to believe I had a future, and it gave me the will to fight the many battles that lay ahead.
I never thought of myself as a writer, but I knew I had a story to tell. So I began to write about my life, just small snippets of experiences and random thoughts. Eventually, these short stories ended up in a book called Chronically Happy, which fulfilled my doctor’s prediction.
They say that we all have a book in us waiting to be born. I believe that there’s a huge, untapped reservoir of literary talent among those with kidney disease: not only talent, but an innovative perspective that goes beyond the mundane and into the profound and spiritual. This fresh insight can bring a joyful laugh, a grateful tear, or food for thought as the reader comprehends the overwhelming challenges that those who are chronically ill face every day.
I want to challenge you to start writing your story. All of us have something important to share with someone else. Just look at the many excellent contributions to this website from people who have kidney disease.
Do you have an aspiration for the future? To motivate you to start writing, the Renal Support Network holds an essay contest every year (Click here for details). The contest starts in late spring and ends August 10th. I encourage you to enter the contest this year if time permits or keep an eye out for next year’s call for entries announcement.
Have you defied the odds to pursue a personal goal or developed a plan to reach your dream? How have you held on to hope despite difficult circumstances? Describe a person who challenged you to go beyond your limitations or tell a story about a pet or a hobby that keeps a smile on your face. Write about hope!
RSN’s blog and essay contest are forums for you to share your experiences with others, as well as an opportunity to be recognized publicly for your writing. You’re the thought leaders in the kidney community; you provide the most inspiration to fellow patients. Your story can inspire others, give them hope, and help them realize that they’re not alone.
Words live forever. I look forward to hearing your story!
Chronically Yours,
Lori Hartwell,
President & Founder of the Renal Support Network
Learn more about sharing your story on RSN’s blog
Learn more about the essay contest
10/01/2009
Web ID 333
