Renal Support Network

I found RSN during the beginning of Covid. It had been about a year since my transplant. I wish I would have found them earlier! It's the people of RSN that make it so wonderful. They are a small but dedicated and committed to helping and reaching out to anyone with kidney disease. They offer so much more than support - crafting, exercise, nutrition, book club and more. This is the go to source for help in the kidney disease community!

I appreciate the support groups offered by this organization deeply. Once I found out about them , I very rarely miss a meeting. You can feel the compassion and caring of the group leaders. They encourage everyone to be supportive of one another. Having a chronic disease can feel very isolating, and participating in their groups is like talking to friends. Every meeting they feature a member telling their story, which is always so touching. Renal disease can never ever be cured, it’s something you have to live with. We share our struggles and ways to cope. It’s wonderful knowing you are not alone. The leaders always make it clear what the rules of the group are to ensure it is a safe space.

I have been apart of RSN ( Renal Support network) since 2012 ish but The one thing that I would have to say about this charity is they are always thinking about the young adults with kidney disease and the Renal prom is a great opportunity for people to meet one another and make new connections with other members of the community who have been through the same situation or even have had the same experiences.

If you want to know if this a great charity to be chosen, they are for sure one the kindest people that I have ever known.

I am so grateful for Renal Support Network. My social worker told me about RSN after I was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2019. I was overwhelmed and scared of the unknown. I started to participate in the monthly zoom support group meetings and learned that I wasn’t alone in my kidney journey. I learned about the renal diet and how to prepare delicious kidney friendly meals. RSN taught me how to advocate for myself and navigate through different challenges with CKD. The website is full of valuable information as well as the educational Podcasts. They offer so many fun programs and activities. Hope Week is what I look forward to every year. I have met incredible people and made new friends. Cher Thomas and Lori Hartwell are the sweetest and I appreciate their guidance and support over the years.
RSN has given me HOPE and prepared me for Dialysis which I am forever grateful. Thank you Renal Support Network!! I recommend anyone with different stages of kidney disease to this AMAZING organization.

Renal Support Network supports people with kidney disease through wonderful and unique programs. They understand the challenges all of us with kidney disease face, because they have been through it themselves. Their online resources are amazing. The opportunities they provide to engage with others going through similar situations are unique, fun, and creative. They are also strong advocates for important initiatives and legislation that will improve the lives of those with kidney disease. I am both a patient who have been supported by their work and a professional working in kidney care. I regularly recommend RSN to anyone with kidney disease, and their care partners.

My daughter has had kidney disease for decades and has always raved about the positive programs offered by Renal Support Network. This last year, I too have been diagnosed with kidney disease.

RSN offers many, many programs; however, one thing they provide head and shoulders about the rest is the advocacy group they host the Champions of Kidney Care. I have long been an active member of my local community and keep abreast of legislative issues. RSN offers nonpartisan legislative information for it's advocacy group. Participants are enlightened about the specifics of proposed legislation along with the pros and cons. Other groups, typically use lobbyist to get out information but with kidney disease it hasn't affected our brains! We are quite capable of understand and sharing the pros and cons of kidney disease and sharing how proposed legislature can affect our lives.

My son donated a kidney to my daughter. The Living Donor Protection Act has been proposed for several years offering protections for people who have donated an organ. No one who donated a kidney should incur any problems with their healthcare coverage after committing such a brave and selfless act.

Furthermore, the keeping oral medications out of the dialysis bundle was not a legislation I was fond of. I think it limits the medications that patients could be prescribed and they patient many not receive the best drug for them just because It's not in the bundle. It could also affect research of new medication because if there is no payment for new medications, what is the incentive for research.

People living with kidney disease are certainly capable of understanding the medical and financial circumstances of their care and should learn how being acting in legislation does affect you if a medication is not available.

I've learned to create a relationship with my local and state representatives to ensure that people living with kidney disease get a fair shake.

I'd like to thank Renal Support Network for informing me about all of these issues and creating a community of patients that are not only active in their healthcare but also the legislation that affects their healthcare.

What a GREAT nonprofit that offers so much to the kidney community!!! I would give them six stars if you added another!

I have been working with people with kidney failure for 39 years. Dialysis is a life-saving procedure for these people. Renal support Network (RSN) has been around for almost as long as I have been a nurse. The Staff at RSN are all people who have had kidney disease/dialysis/transplant. They understand all the problems these people can experience. Even before the internet they had a 1-800 phone line so that people could call and have someone who understands talk to them. Today they have grown so much through the internet, social media, Renal Prom night, their boutique, contests, pod casts, education week, and so much more. No other organization supports Chronic Kidney Disease patients more than RSN!!

RSN is an amazing organization with that has been apart of my life for years! It has provided me with a group of people that has either gone through something similar with their own kidney journey or it has given me a platform to help others that's about to start their journey. Shout out to Cher, she is one of the sweetest and most caring people that I have met and thankful for her guidance and help over the years. Susan has been a great support as well with many of the behind the scenes work, Isela as well! Kristen is a huge support part of my monthly Sunday meetings! Proud to be apart of this organization and happy to help!

I found RSN during the start of the Covid pandemic when I was looking for ways to virtually connect with others and, coincidentally, my kidney disease was getting worse. Almost immediately upon joining the bi-monthly virtual support group I realized that I had found my people. I was surrounded and supported by others dealing with many of the same challenges as I was and even though I'm a lifelong kidney patient, I found myself learning new things. My positive experience with the virtual support group lead me to engaging with RSN in other ways. I'm an active member of their book club which has allowed me to connect with others who love reading and are managing kidney disease. Additionally, I regularly search the RSN website when I'm looking for information on kidney disease and I listen to their podcasts when I'm in the car because it's one of the few places you can find relevant content for the kidney community. Overall, I cannot say enough good things about RSN and the value they provide me and to the larger kidney community.

As a care partner for my husband who has been an in- center dialysis patten now for 2 years, RSN has provided me with resources,information, and much support. From exercise class,to book club,to groups for foodies, crafters, and those wishing a support group,to lectures from medical professionals in the field,RSN has it all. Most of all, RSN has offered hope to both patients and caregivers such as myself. It is an invaluable resource for those of us and our loved ones struggling with an historically underserved disease. It is indeed a great nonprofit organization.

I am so grateful for Renal Support Network's variety of programs. From their Kidney Kin Foodies Nutrition class to my personal favorite, their Get Creative arts and crafts group, there is truly something for everyone who is looking for support and community. I have learned so much and gained so much strength through this organization.

RSN's online support groups for people who have kidney disease are the best thing I've found in years. They are so much more than peer support. The diet support group has really helped me sort through and demystify my husband's dietary restrictions. I no longer dread going into to the kitchen to cook for my family or out to eat with my husband. I can now confidently focus on what he can have and even what I thought he couldn't eat. There are so many creative ways to make a delicious meal that my whole family actually likes but is also good for him. I am so thankful that I found the Renal Support Network. We have made many new friends!

RSN provides excellent education, support and motivation to individuals of all ages and their families who are or have been affected by the various stages of kidney disease. Everything they do they well.

RSN is a fantastic on-line kidney disease support source. Articles plus amazingly helpful discussion groups that meet on-line twice a month, great shared info!

I had recently received a kidney transplant in July 2022. I had a little bit of a rough time initially with the procedure and the Renal Support Network gave me support the entire time! If you are having any kidney issues whether you are pre dialysis, during dialysis or pre or post transplant they have several different kidney support programs! It is also always confidential!

Volunteering for the Renal Teen Prom brings me such joy. It’s a special evening and I look forward to it every year. 

It was an upsetting time for me when I was diagnosed with CKD two years ago. The information I had on the disease was minimal, and the resources that I found were few. When I found RSN, I finally breathed a sigh of relief because it is an organization that supports the whole person not just the medical condition. I’ve taken part in their exercise programs, online cooking sessions, and live Zoom support group meetings. I especially like that the staff all have CKD in varying stages which makes them particularly knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the disease. Whenever I attend one of the RSN programs, I always come away with pages of notes to help me better manage my CKD. A huge thank you to Lori and Cher for giving us such a wonderful caring community.

I was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2015 during my sophomore year of High School. After I was given my diagnosis, I was bombarded with terms like “IgA nephropathy”, “creatinine”, and “glomerular filtration rate”. I looked to my parents for clarity, but they looked just as confused as I was. I didn’t know anything about kidney disease let alone what it meant to have it. I was feeling really overwhelmed and confused, not sure where to look to educate myself. However, that same year, I learned about a volunteer opportunity through my High School with Renal Support Network (RSN). The opportunity was to assist the organization with their Renal Teen Prom that took place every year. This prom gives teens with kidney disease an opportunity to experience their own prom night while also meeting new friends who are also experiencing kidney disease! I jumped at the opportunity to volunteer. That night I learned about the importance of support and friendship and became less afraid of my disease as I realized that I am not alone. That night I even found out that one of my fellow classmates had kidney disease and we have been a part of each other’s support system ever since. RSN’s programs continue to help and inspire me today as I learn from fellow people living with kidney disease and their journey’s. If you are feeling overwhelmed, scared, or confused I encourage you to join in on one of RSN’s many virtual support programs. Even if it's just once! A little friendship and hope can go a long way!

My dad was on dialysis for four years before he passed away from congestive heart failure. At the time I knew little or nothing about his condition and the medical care and treatment he was receiving. Shortly after his death I met a new neighbor who also happened to be the founder and president of the Renal Support Network (RSN). I started volunteering for RSN and soon discovered a whole new world that I wish I had access to while my dad was alive. I learned that there are other treatment options that would have been much easier on him. I learned about the kidney diet that he struggled to adhere to without anyone in the family knowing what he needed. I learned how to communicate with your healthcare team and how advocate for better care. I have heard so many hopeful stories from people living with kidney disease. It is so much easier to absorb information in a social setting like RSN’s online support groups than reading a pamphlet or doing a web search which mostly produces questionable advice. I encourage anyone who has a family member with kidney disease to attend RSN’s online support groups. Knowledge is power!

I have been involved with Renal Support Network for the last four years, and I have found it to be one of the best patient-centered organizations for people experiencing kidney disease in any capacity- just diagnosed, dialysis/transplant, family member, etc. RSN's founder, Lori Hartwell, is a kidney patient herself and has worked hard to bring together a community focused on educating people about kidney disease and treatment options, advocating and spreading awareness, and sharing personal experiences.

My family and I have been able to participate in many programs offered through RSN, including nutrition classes, exercise classes, the monthly craft group, annual patient conference and the essay contest each year. These have given us a chance to connect with others going through the same medical journey. I've also personally accessed many articles and podcasts on RSN"s website to help myself become better-informed about my kidney disease. All of these programs and resources are free of charge and are open to all ages. Best of all-most programs are also offered virtually! That's a huge benefit to people like me who aren't local to the Los Angeles area but would like to participate in all that RSN has to offer.

RSN has made a difference in my life and I would strongly recommend it as a nonprofit.

RSN is an excellent resource for people with all stages of kidney disease. As a patient, I have benefited greatly from the support groups, exercise groups, Hope Week filled with educational content, publications, and connecting with the advocacy group. The connections have made enormous improvements in my own journey with kidney disease.
As a profesional who works with patients who have kidney disease, I recommend RSN as a resource for them as well. I love the opportunity for connection with others who have kidney disease. This type of support is critical for those with kidney disease as the fear, anxiety, physical and emotional stress of kidney disease can be overwhelming. The kidney community is extremely generous and RSN does an excellent job of creating forums for people with all kinds of different interests to meet and connect. The RSN staff are wonderful and really understand the issues we are all facing. RSN is a trusted resource for everyone with kidney disease.

I had never met someone with chronic kidney disease before, until Lori Hartwell came into my life. She has more energy then most people can muster up.
Lori is non-stop brainstorming about how to make the world a better place.
She teaches painting and jewelry classes and is a very talented artist. She sets up support groups for patients, puts out a magazine, hosts the Renal Teen Prom and Celebrity Poker Tournament every year.
Lori gives the kidney community the support they need to thrive.
HOPE is the word that always comes to mind when you work with her.
Brenda Burroughs-volunteer

Thanks to Lori Hartwell, Cher and the crew at the Renal Support Network for being a great support to me. It has been wonderful to meet others who are dealing with the same illness that I have and hear their life stories and learn from sharing. The groups have been a great support to me by giving me hope and coping skills. Be Fit While You Sit is one of my favorite groups providing improvement with flexibility and strength, while boosting my mood, and reducing stress and joint strain.

My kidney disease progressed to the point that I needed dialysis in 2005. I was in utter shock. I had a wife, two preschool kids, and a business to run. The best thing I ever did was discover Renal Support Network. I used the message board for support and to learn how to discover more about my illness. Lori and the others showed me how to advocate for myself. To the extent I can, I will always support them. What they do for the whole ESRD community is just what is needed.

Last October I was feeling run down and having trouble urinating. I really didn't know what to do so I called my friend Lori Hartwell from RSN Hope. She asked me a few questions and suggested that I give her Nephrologist a call. I also called my Urologist as my symptoms were similar to a condition I had several months before that were related to a temporarily enlarged prostate. After ruling out any prostate issues, I was urged by both my Nephrologist and Urologist to go to the emergency at Providence Cedars-Sinai hospital in Tarzana. I soon learned that I was experiencing Acute Kidney Failure and within a few hours I was admitted into the hospital and put on dialysis. I did not realize how serious my condition was and without Lori's keen insight I might have died. I ended up going on 8 rounds of dialysis over a period of 12 days and during that time, Lori stayed in constant touch with me. She sent me reading materials and provided tapes for me to listen to so that I could deal with my terrible situation. She also gave me tips on diet and nutrition and informed me of all my options. I especially related to one of the tapes of someone else who experienced Acute Kidney Failure and it gave me hope. Fortunately, I am now healthy and living a normal life, but things could have gone terribly wrong had Lori Hartwell and RSN not been there to guide me through. I have supported RSN throughout the years, but never in my wildest dreams did I expect that I would be in need of their services. Thank you Lori for all that you do and keep up the good work!

As a kidney patient, I'm especially glad that RSN is out there connecting with patients.
I first became aware of RSN over ten years ago when I was cast in the play, Who Lives?, which RSN produced. Who Lives? told the story of the first attempt to offer out-patient dialysis and the heart wrenching process of patient selection at that time.
I would soon learn that this was just a fraction of what RSN did to educate and advocate for patients. I would also learn that RSN could be a force to foster a sense of belonging for patients young and old, and even effect change on the political front that could improve patient care.

I am a dialysis nurse and have been working with kidney patients since 1993. I have met Lori Hartwell in 1997 and became aware that she was the author of the support group directory for kidney patients living in each geographical area of greater Los Angeles. I personally gave out many of these directories to my patients when they started dialysis therapy. My first real involvement with the Renal Support Network occurred in 1999 when I volunteered as a driver for the first Renal Teen Prom that took place in Notre Dame High School. This was a fantastic event and all teens had an opportunity to have a real prom experience and dance night out surrounded by their peers. This event helped me to realize how much this small patient-ran organization means for kidney community, and I wanted to become more involved. Since then, I have volunteered for every single Renal Teen Prom, and has gotten bigger and better each year for the past 15 years. A few years ago I took my teenage son with me to the prom and he had a great time as well. Besides the Prom, RSN focuses on education, support, and advocacy to ensure that all people with kidney disease live well and have hope in spite of chronic disease. They utilize all sources of communication and social media to reach out to the community, but you can always talk to a real person on the other end to receive support and that what makes them special!

I have been a board member of the Renal Support Network for over 3 years. I must say its been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Working in the capacity of Board member ive been blessed with helping to implement our mission which is helping those with chronic kidney disease. I doubt there are many non-profits who directly touch their customers like RSN does. From policy development and implementation, to fundraising, to allowing our clients to have opportunities for entertainment that they often don't have because of their health condition, RSN attempts to fill in the gaps in improving the lives of our customers. Lori Hartwell is not only a personal friend but a personal inspiration to me because of how she sets an example of living an extraordinary life despite great challenges.

James Troyer

I received a kidney transplant in 2007, after which I felt that I wanted to give something back to help other chronic kidney disease patients. I was not able to find any other support groups on my own, but a friend who had worked with Lori in the past told me about her, and eventually set up a meeting with Lori. In just hearing Lori talk about her past, I was very impressed with her knowledge, the extent of her involvement in helping others, as well as the overall purpose of RSN. Since then, I have progressively gotten more involved, and still am impressed with how Lori has spread the message and impact of RSN nationally, and the extent of her involvement in state and national advocacy for CKD patients overall. Her ceaseless effort and untiring ability to not only continue what has been done to help patients, but come up with new ideas to broaden the RSN message, continue to amaze me. I feel fortunate to have found RSN and Lori, and look forward to learning more about CKD, laws affecting patients, and how to help more. Attending the renal teen prom, which is provided to teens free of charge, is not only an impressive event, but very inspiring to watch these young people enjoy this event, as well as the volunteers who help put it on.

I first became aware of RSN when I was asked to participate in a podcast that Lori Hartwell and Stephen Furst presented. I was immediately impressed by their desire to inform and at the same time uplift. That was over four years ago. Since that time I've had my first impression affirmed over and over again on many occasions. As a patient myself, I can truly appreciate this; and i know that there are many others who feel the same way.

What a pleasure to add to these comments - which are all well deserved. Lori Hartwell the founder of this amazing network was my Primary Patient at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, when she was 7 and going through her many years of dialysis. She has provided a vehicle through www.RSNhope.org for patients and families to feel more empowered to take care of themselves during their journey and not feel so alone.
Some the many many ways this nonprofit operates it to offer patients to take charge of their lives through education - delivered in many fun and informative ways via, webcasts, websites,telephone contact,newsletter and one on one. RSN also empowers patients in public speaking so they can Lobby in Washington to improve Dialysis and transplant reimbursement,.
And how about the gathering of many many volunteers to run a successful Teen Prom for Renal Patients - now in its 15th year. With no cost to the Teens.
Did I mention she sold the "Crit Line" to dialysis centers - I was a Dialysis nurse at that time and that particular device changed the way we did dialysis in our unit. It was cutting edge and she knew it having been on the receiving end for so long. And boy could she sell it.
Having volunteered (among MANY) for the Prom since its inception I can attest to the true value to Teens that it offers and its all free for them.
Now I am privileged to be on the RSN Board. This amazing nonprofit continues its drive to educate, support and empower those who need (or need encouraging) to take part in what the Renal support Network has to offer.

I was introduced to Renal Support Network in 2001 by my transplant team. I attended a meeting where Lori Hartwell, the founder of RSN spoke and I was amazed by her journey with CKD and her mission to help educate others dealing with CKD. I began volunteering for RSN in 2004 and have personally seen how many lives have been touched and improved through RSN's many programs. In 2008 I became a board member to help assist RSN's vision by instilling health, happiness, and hope through education, advocacy, and awareness.... one person at a time.

As a kidney transplant patient of over 30 years, this organization has given me the ability to go out into the community and educate people on what is kidney disease really. Not just other people, like myself, but professionals and patients alike. RSN takes my hard won experience and puts it to good use. I have spoken to dialysis nurses at Loma LInda University as well as Renal Advantage, INC. I have also educated lay people, such as Rotary groups, on how to combat kidney disease for themselves and how to help people with kidney disease already. One of the best things is the HOPEline where patients can talk to other patients and get specific help on how to navigate through all the red tape that can be encountered to just letting them know we've been there too. Family members can call also, if they have questions and/or concerns.

Having been a kidney patient for at least the last 5 years, this is the first and only patient oriented group that I have found for educating, supporting, and advocating for kidney patients, at all levels. The educational resources available for any stage of renal failure (pre-, dialysis, transplant) has been much more than I ever expected, and still amazes me as I continue to access more of its resources available on the website. The President and founder is a ball of energy, very inspiring, an excellent leader, a great advocate, and a fountain of excellent information on just about all matters dealing with chronic kidney failure, its treatments, and its impact on patients. They have excellent programs for educating patients, helping patients, and supporting patients.

The Renal Support Network (RSN) was founded by my wife, Lori. She considered her own experiences with kidney disease and created programs that help people the way that she was helped and the way she needed to be helped. Her personal imprint united the group and encourages people with kidney disease to join. I watch them as I hold small roles from time to time at events that RSN puts on.

RSN has been such a positive influence on so many people with chronic kidney disease, Its founder Lori Hartwell a kidney patient herself and her staff have been the drive providing support, hope and happiness along with wonderful programs like the annual Renal Teen Prom, the HOPE line (a support phone line in English and Spanish) Patient Life Style meetings, monthly support groups, Kidney Talks, and a very informative web site. I have received so much information and became more knowledgeable about dialysis (a dialysis pt. and volunteer myself) and self care over the years. With further assistance this patients helping patients organization can flourish, and reach out to many more needy people - benefiting from this tremendously.

It's hard to believe but it has been one year this month that I met Lori Hartwell and the crew at the Renal Support Network. I was referred to Lori by a Nurse at my clinic and that has turned out to be some of the best advice I have ever received. I first went to a RSN support meeting seeking to see firsthand how others were dealing with the same illness that I had. My life was changed at that meeting. Lori has taught me to lift the spirits of other patients by telling my own story while listening to theirs. I have made a few fortunes over the years but none have equaled the values of life that Lori has shared with me. Lori Hartwell and the Renal Support Network have taught me how to help people smile and cope and in turn that puts a big smile on me! I haven't missed a support group meeting since that very first one last year. In fact, I now attend TWO RSN surpport groups every month as well as volunteer for anything and everything I can to help others. Thank you Lor Hartwell

My first contact with Renal Support Network (RSN) was by happenstance. A friend of mine wanted to attend a support group meeting held by RSN and I just went along for the ride with no intention of actually attending the meeting. As GOOD luck would have it, I did attend the meeting and found a wonderful group of compassionte, understanding, and supportive people at RSN who selflessly gave of themselves to help the attendees. I was hooked and could not wait until the next meeting a month later. Fast forward to the present and now I volunteer at any possible opportunity. I see how Lori Hartwell and her staff and programs affect people in such a positive way. I personally have seen attendees to the support group meeting walk in with a heavy heart and leave hopeful for the future, just as I did over a year ago.

My name is Rebecca. I met Lori Hartwell through a friend of mine. I didn't know Lori's history or her work with RSN. I just knew that she liked to make jewelry and so did I. It was fun to be together tapping into our creative side and producing beautiful pieces that our friends and family enjoyed as much as we did. I introduced Lori to the world of buttons and how to make them into bracelets. It was a couple of months after I met Lori that I learned about her kidney disease, RSN and the people that worked with her. I was amazed to learn that her staff at RSN were also kidney transplant recipients or patients in some way. Her whole staff is like one big family. The more time I spend with them, the more I get to know them personally and about the world of kidneys. Yesterday, I volunteered for the first time labeling postcards for 'The Celebrity Poker Tournament' Fund raiser for RSN. At the tournament, Lori and I will be selling our button bracelets and a portion of the proceeds will go to RSN. I'm excited to help and to be a part of this event.

My name is Robert Ziegler, I had my kidney transplant on Oct. 24th. 2007 at UCLA and it was there where i picked up a a Renal Support Network Brochure and the rest is history. I have been a patient volunteer thier since March 2008. Lori Hartwell gave me the opportunity to prove to myself that my life wasn't over that it was the begining and she was right The Renal Support Network is a wonderful organization that offers so much support to so many people affected with Kidney Diease

My daughter Jenna was diagnosed with kidney failure at 15 years old. We heard about the Renal Support Network from others who knew its founder, Lori Hartwell, was a child/teen kidney patient. We attended RSN's patient education meetings and learned a lot about what Jenna was facing. The group is comprised of patients helping patients and it makes a huge difference to get support from someone who has walked in your shoes. Over the past 9 years RSN has been a great resource for support and hope for our family.

I have been a Pediatric Dialysis Nurse for many years.11 years ago I was approached by a former patient who had succeeded well in her life.(Lori Hartwell founder of Renal Support Network) to volunteer for a Teen Prom. She wanted to give to this community.Through her skills and inspiration she launched The Renal Teen Prom in Southern California. I have been part of this from the beginning and have encouraged (and driven) many of the Teens that I worked with, to take part in this amazing event. They LOVE it and have gone back year after year. It is a tribute to the organisation that many of the same drivers also take the teens to this event - year after year. The movable Prom Dress Boutique that goes from Hospital to Hospital, unit to unit each year so the girls can have a fun dress to wear to the Prom is an amazing event also. There is a core group of us who just would not miss being part of this annual event. On the education side,the booklet that RSN puts out quarterly is amazing and shows that Renal Patients are more than just their diagnoses. RSN empowers patients. Lesley Holden RN