“I’ve survived more than 50 surgeries, 13 years of dialysis and I’m living with my fourth kidney transplant. My childhood and school years were difficult and often lonely due to kidney disease and the many hospitals stays. I had to miss a lot of school, so the school district decided I would do best being home schooled. I didn’t attend school functions and didn’t I know anyone. I had the body of a 12-year-old and the maturity of a 40-year-old so I never ever related. I created the Renal Teen Prom so young people who have kidney disease wouldn’t have to experience the loneliness that I felt and connect with their peers.” – Lori Hartwell, RSN Founder and President
Prom season comes early for teens and young adults who have been diagnosed with kidney disease, who are on dialysis or who have a kidney transplant. The first prom was held in 1999 by Lori Hartwell, RSN’s President and Founder, who missed her own prom due to being on dialysis from age 12-24 and missing many school activities. She didn’t want other teens to miss this coming of age event and have the opportunity to meet each other. The prom brings these young people together to share their experiences, strengths, and hopes. It lets them know they are not alone and that ‘one friend can make a difference’. This event is at no charge to attendees and their guests.
