FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2025 – GLENDALE, CA — Renal Support Network (RSN) is excited to announce the launch of its 23rd Annual Essay Contest, inviting people who have chronic kidney disease (CKD) to share their stories. This year’s theme, “Innovation: Past, Present and Future,” encourages participants to reflect on how innovations in CKD treatments have impacted their journey with kidney disease and/or what advancements they hope to see in the future to improve care and quality of life.
For 23 years, RSN’s Essay Contest has offered a platform for people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to share their experiences, inspire others, and connect through storytelling. Throughout this time, thousands of people have submitted powerful and insightful essays that showcase resilience and hope.
“Having lived with kidney disease for over five decades, I have witnessed remarkable advancements in care. This year’s theme celebrates the progress that has been achieved and the ideas that will shape our future. Innovation is the lifeblood of hope. I cannot wait to read the inspiring essays brimming with wisdom and inspiration.” Lori Hartwell, RSN’s founder and president
Essay contest winners receive cash prizes:
- First Place: $500
- Second Place: $300
- Third Place: $100
The contest is open to all U.S. residents who have been diagnosed with kidney disease, are on dialysis, or have received a kidney transplant.
Essays must be typed and no longer than 750 words. The deadline for submission is August 10, 2025. Winners will be announced the week of September 22, 2025. Selected essays will be published on RSN’s website, RSNHope.org, and featured in KidneyTalk® Magazine.
You can read past essays by previous winners on the website. Prepare to be inspired! To learn more about the contest rules, how to submit your essay, and how to download a flyer to share
please click on the RSN website link: https://www.rsnhope.org/essay-contest.
RSN would like to thank Akebia, Ardelyx, Fresenius Kidney Care, and U.S. Renal who support this program.
The Renal Support Network (RSN) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting people with kidney disease across the United States. Founded by Lori Hartwell in 1993, RSN’s mission is to empower those affected by kidney disease by providing them with knowledge about their condition, encouraging proactive self-care, instilling hope for the future, advocating for quality care and fostering peer support.
Lori Hartwell’s journey with kidney disease began at just two years old. Since then, she has endured more than 50 surgeries and 13 years of dialysis. Today, she thrives with her fourth kidney transplant—an inspiring testament to the power of resilience, advocacy, and hope.
RSN offers a range of optimistic and life-enriching non-medical programs designed to assist people with kidney disease and their families, regardless of whether they are in the early stages of the illness, undergoing dialysis, or have received a transplant. For more information, please visit RSNhope.org.
