Renal Support Network

RSN’s hopeful, educational, supportive, and life-enriching programs help people who have kidney disease and their families, whether they are in the early stages of the disease, are on dialysis, or have received a transplant. You also have an opportunity to advocate for your peers. Learn more below!

Renal Support Network (RSN) was founded in 1993 by Lori Hartwell, who was diagnosed in 1968 at the age of two with kidney failure and knows how important hope, peer connection and knowledge are to survive and thrive with an illness. She has experienced all treatment modalities for 13 years and currently is her 4th kidney transplant. RSN’s hopeful, life-enriching programs help people who have kidney disease and their families, whether they are in the early stages of the disease, are on dialysis or have received a transplant. Learning from another patient’s experience and point of wisdom to live successfully and navigate care is vital for success.

Annual Renal Teen Prom

“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

Kidney Care Advocacy

Why Should You Advocate for Kidney Care? To get involved and make a difference! Only one thing can help change the course of this disease, and that is for anyone who is affected by it, whether patient, family member or renal professional, is to get involved. Join us in educating your elected officials about how they can help with legislation relating to kidney disease, access to treatment, dialysis, transplantation, and organ donation.

Kidney Disease Peer Support Groups

RSN’s series of topical Zoom meetings are informative and so much fun! Topics include the kidney diet, exercise, hobbies and more. This is a great way to connect with others living with kidney disease, make new friends and learn new things. There will be a link provided via email before each meeting. There are no fees to attend, but registration will be required in order to protect attendees privacy.

KidneyTalk Magazine

KidneyTalk® is the only magazine dedicated to empowering and enriching the lives of people who have chronic kidney disease (CKD). This publication provides people who have kidney disease with education, encouragement and strategies to help navigate this illness. Many of the articles are written by people who know firsthand what it’s like to manage this illness and succeed.

Annual Essay Contest

The theme this year for the 21st essay contest was “How do you use your creativity to help cope with kidney disease?” The array of heartfelt and imaginative entries from kidney disease warriors across the country demonstrates how creativity can be an effective and a joyful coping strategy. The resilience and creativity displayed by these individuals are truly inspiring. We are delighted to showcase their stories, which highlight the incredible ways creativity can be a source of strength and healing for those of us living with kidney disease.

KidneyTalk® Podcast

RSN’s KidneyTalk® is an informative, inspirational, and entertaining online, half-hour radio talk show that launched in 2006 with host RSN Founder & President Lori Hartwell who has been a renal disease survivor since 1968. KidneyTalk™ provides the audience with practical advice on how to live a full and productive life despite CKD. The show features healthcare professionals and people living successfully with kidney disease who share personal experiences and wisdom. You can listen to the podcast our website or on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and on iHeart Radio.

Support Group Masterclass

The theme this year for the 21st essay contest was “How do you use your creativity to help cope with kidney disease?” The array of heartfelt and imaginative entries from kidney disease warriors across the country demonstrates how creativity can be an effective and a joyful coping strategy. The resilience and creativity displayed by these individuals are truly inspiring. We are delighted to showcase their stories, which highlight the incredible ways creativity can be a source of strength and healing for those of us living with kidney disease.

Kidney Diet Nutrition Database

Knowledge is power! RSN’s Nutritional Information Database is a great resource for people who have chronic kidney disease, are on dialysis, or have a kidney transplant and their families. This list is for people who like to prepare their own food from raw ingredients found at the grocery store. Here you will find the amount of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, fat, calories and more that is in just about anything you would want to stock in your pantry to make your own healthy meals.

Watch: Behind the Scenes During a Home Dialysis Treatment

Notice, this video is NOT for training, the intent is to share the patient experience only!

Watch as Rachel Cluthe of Houston, TX, along with her husband and two daughters demonstrate a home-hemodialysis treatment from start to finish.

Watch: Get the Scoop on Kidney Stuff with Neff & Nuff! 

RSN shines a light on kidney health, organ donation and the importance of taking your transplant meds in a clever animated video series featuring two animated kidney stars who educate the public about kidney care. Watch all three videos in English or in Spanish.