The Renal Support Network (RSN) is an American nonprofit, kidney patient-focused, kidney patient-run organization that works to benefit individuals affected by

chronic kidney disease Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a type of kidney disease in which a gradual loss of kidney function occurs over a period of months to years. Initially generally no symptoms are seen, but later symptoms may include leg swelling, feeling tired, vo ...

(CKD). RSN's mission is to help patients develop their personal coping skills, talents, and employability by educating and empowering them (and their family members) to take control of the course and management of the disease.Patients Helping Patients: The Renal Support Network
Nephrology Nursing Journal, January 1, 2007 RSN works to achieve its mission through its national patient meeting and regional patient lifestyle meetings and the RSN Patients Educating Patients & Professionals (PEPP) Patient Speakers Program. Information and education programs include the Kidney Times website and the ''KidneyTalk'' biweekly podcast. RSN sponsors Renal Teen Proms in Los Angeles and Washington, DC. The Renal Support Network also works to provide lawmakers and policymakers with patient perspectives on the needs and capabilities of people with CKD. RSN does this through their Wellness & Education Kidney Advocacy Network (weKAN).

History

The Renal Support Network was founded in 1993 by

Lori Hartwell Lori Hartwell (born 1966) is the Founder and President of the Renal Support Network, author of ''Chronically Happy: Joyful Living in Spite of Chronic Illness'', and co-host of KidneyTalk, a biweekly webcast of issues of interest to those with Chro ...

Meetings

The national meeting is a three-day conference held in conjunction with the National Renal Administrators Association (NRAA) annual meeting. Regional Patient Lifestyle meetings are free to attend.

Activities

In addition to contributing to educational and scientific publications, the Wellness & Education Kidney Advocacy Network (weKAN) consists of

(CKD) patient activists from across the country whose common goal is to ensure that people with CKD receive quality care. The PEPP Patient Speakers Program was initiated by RSN in 2005. Since then, there have been over 100 speaking engagements to more than 9800 listeners. These educational programs are led by CKD patient-speakers who have been professionally trained, tested and certified to deliver these programs at meetings of renal patients and healthcare professionals. PEPP speakers are available at no charge to organizations that meet the RSN criteria. "Kidney Times" is the organization's CKD information website; all articles are all written by people with CKD or health care professionals. A stipend is paid for articles published. ''KidneyTalk'' is a biweekly webcast hosted by

Stephen Furst Stephen Furst (born Stephen Nelson Feuerstein; May 8, 1954 – June 16, 2017) was an American actor, director and producer. After gaining attention with his featured role as Kent "Flounder" Dorfman in the comedy film ''National Lampoon's An ...

and RSN Founder and President

. Renal Teen Proms are free events are for teens ages 14 to 24 who have CKD and a guest of their choice. Attendees are treated to dancing and limo rides, dinner and appetizers, glamor photos, and a DJ.Ventura County Star
2008 Renal Teen Prom coverage

References

External links

Renal Support Network
{{authority control Health charities in the United States Disability organizations based in the United States Kidney organizations Patients' organizations Charities based in California Medical and health organizations based in California