Glendale, CA (October 5th , 2009) — “What Helps Me Live a Joyful Life in Spite of Kidney Disease?” was the theme of the 7th Annual Renal Support Network’s (RSN) Kidney Times Essay Contest, which has only one qualification for entry: to have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.
"I am always so impressed by the wealth of ideas and how thought-provoking these essays are," stated Lori Hartwell, RSN Founder and President. "We were very pleased with the winning essays. Narrowing these essays down to determine the winners was a real challenge.”
The over one-hundred-fifty essays submitted came from a wide range of patients of all ages, and provided valuable insight into how one can cope with kidney failure with the spirit of Health, Happiness, & Hope.
The five winning essays can be accessed by logging onto the Kidney Times (www.kidneytimes.com) online health library, or through the Renal Support Network homepage (www.RSNhope.org). Awards were given for first, second, and third place, with two additional awards, one for the best essay in Spanish, and one for the best essay by a young person: the Junior Achievement Award. First place received a check for $500, second place $300, third place, best Spanish essay, and junior achievement winners each received $100.
Hailing from New Jersey, Ronda Cluff, first place winner, said, “Writing this essay encouraged me to focus on what really keeps me happy and motivated – not what I stand to lose through kidney disease, but what I have that time and illness can’t take away. By staying informed, I’m taking whatever control I can to create a good outcome.
Second place winner, Marvin Burney, said, “Kidney Times affords those of us affected by kidney disease with an opportunity to share our stories of hope... I want the world to know that my life has mattered, and Kidney Times has helped me do that.”
All those who wrote essays will receive a handsome certificate acknowledging their participation in the contest, and a copy of Hartwell’s inspirational book about joyful living despite chronic illness: Chronically Happy.
"We appreciate the effort of everyone who participated and did such an excellent job,” said Hartwell.
RSN would like to congratulate the authors of the winning essays, listed below:
First Place Winner: Ronda Cluff, of Galloway, NJ, wrote about taking the time to find joy sprinkled throughout our daily lives. Cluff talks about learning to live in the moment despite a chronic illness and finding strength through her relationship with her daughter.
Second Place Winner: Marvin Burney of Clarkton, NC wrote about his experiences coaching a youth baseball team while managing chronic kidney disease, and how it brings him joy and keeps him young.
Third Place Winner:Jorita Lehman of Welasco, TX says in her essay, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain!”
Best Essay in Spanish:Barbara Velasques of Hobbs, NM wrote about how her family and faith inspire her to embrace life. “If you laugh at every opportunity, then you don’t have to think of what is wrong or what hurts, only of what else to laugh about!” writes Velasques.
Junior Achievement Award: Brandon Albert of Carmel, CA, age 11, finds a myriad of things to be joyful about despite living with renal failure from the age of 5 and having already undergone a failed transplant. “…Here’s my advice, live your life like the kids that don’t have kidney disease!” writes Brandon.
The theme for next year’s 8th Annual Essay Contest will be: “Lessons Learned From a Book, Movie or Song that Help Me Deal with CKD."
RSN is a nonprofit, patient-focused, patient-run organization that provides non-medical services to people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It strives to help patients develop their personal coping skills, special talents, and employ the tools empowering them and their family members to take control of the course and management of the disease. A vital role of RSN is to provide the patient's perspective on the needs and capabilities of people with CKD. RSN values those with kidney disease and helps them become self-sufficient through education, advocacy, and hope for a better tomorrow.
