Renal Support Network

1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners receive cash prizes. Winning essays and will be published online and in RSN’s Live&Give magazine. First Prize: $500, Second Prize: $300, Third Prize: $100. Submissions are now open through August 10, 2019.

Lori Hartwell, RSN’s founder and president, author of Chronically Happy: Joyful Living in Spite of Chronic Illness and host of KidneyTalk Podcast, says, “People who live successfully with a chronic illness like kidney disease know firsthand the importance of having an innovative perspective and strategy not only toward their illness, but also toward life in general.” She added, “There is an abundance of talent within the renal patient community, and the RSN Essay Contest provides people who have kidney disease with a forum where they can share their experiences, strengths, hope and inspire others.”

Last year, the 16th Annual Essay Contest first place winner, Gordon Labuhn, wrote about attitude and how it impacts others. He said “One’s attitude toward life is like a boomerang. What you give away is what you receive back.  I was astounded to learn I won first place! I want my peers to recognize that they should never give up and keep a positive attitude even if there are bumps in the road.”  

Joy Araujo, who took second place last year with her essay about kidney campers describes how unexpected inspiration came from the kids whom she signed up to be a camp counselor for.  She said, “I’m newly transplanted – just a year ago. I appreciate this opportunity to share my journey because we all need to express ourselves and we all have a story to tell.”

Stacy Hoblitzell, who took third place last year with his essay titled Mom. She donated a kidney to him and taught him valuable lesson he carries with him today. He said, “This essay contest has encouraged me to write more!”

Winners of the 16^th annual essay contest:

Gold

Silver

Bronze

RSN’s book of essays “Hope, Inspiration & Wisdom: A Treasury of Thoughts on Coping with Kidney Disease” is available for purchase.
Order the Printed Book for $14.95 or the Kindle Book for $6.99

All entries must be postmarked or received by 12:00 PM (PT) on August 10, 2019.