The RSN Renal Teen Prom has been a labor of love for me and countless volunteers, as we recently hosted our 25th prom. Over the course of more than two decades, I have had the privilege of meeting and getting to know an incredible group of youth who battle kidney disease and are winning the fight. Their resilience and positive outlook on life have taught me so much, and they motivate me to continue advocating on their behalf. It fills my heart with joy to see many young adults whom I have come to know not only pursuing their dreams but also seeking ways to help others. I spent 13 years on dial ..read more

I would like to share an amazing program called the donor voucher program. Are you familiar with it? This paired exchange program offers an innovative way to encourage living kidney donations and save lives. The program is associated with the National Kidney Registry, and most transplant centers offer this option to potential living donors. This program differs from a typical swap or paired exchange transplant program. The donor voucher program is a unique initiative which allows individuals to donate a kidney in advance. The donor gives the voucher to a person who is in immediate need of a ki ..read more

Picture this: a future where kidney diseases are no longer a dreaded problem, where treatments are not just effective but also revolutionized to improve patients’ overall well-being. It is no longer just a daydream. Cutting-edge breakthroughs are now becoming a reality. In the United States alone, there are an estimated 37 million people who have chronic kidney disease (CKD), and I am one of them. Back in 2015, when I was a sophomore in high school, I was first referred to a nephrologist. During a regular physical with my pediatrician, which included a urine test, it was discovered that I had ..read more

Make these spice blends ahead and store in a sealed jar so you have them on hand, ready to use anytime. Feel free to experiment with your own take on these blends. Turn the heat up or down by adding a bit more or a little bit less of the hot spices. Find the list of mixtures below or Click Here to View/Download the PDF       Multipurpose 1 tbsp garlic powder 1 1/2 tsp dried basil 1 1/2 tsp dried parsley 1 1/4 tsp dried savory 1 1/4 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp dried mace 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp ground black pepper 1 tsp dried or ground sage 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper   Fish, Pork ..read more

“What should I eat?” is the most frequently-asked question to dietitians from people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The renal diet can appear to be very confusing. I had kidney failure back in the late 1980s and became a registered dietician (RD) in 1993. I have been a vegetarian for the past 25 years, and have had a transplant for 15 years. So I understand the struggle. I have found that the more I learn, the easier it gets. Food is something we can control and it can make a huge difference for our health. Renal diets are based on kidney function. The primary components of a renal diet wh ..read more

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health, especially when living with CKD. Incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine can help improve your mental health and well-being. Experiment with different techniques to find what resonates with you, and remember to be gentle and patient with yourself as you explore these practices. Bear in mind that it is okay to have difficult days and to seek support when needed. Here are some daily mental ..read more

A Candid Look Behind the Scenes During Home Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Treatments featuring Rachel Cluthe and Kristin Rice. Watch as Rachel Cluthe of Houston, TX, along with her husband and two daughters demonstrate a home-hemodialysis treatment from start to finish. “I’ve been doing home hemodialysis for four years now. It offers a sense of freedom and independence. Instead of visiting a clinic several times a week, I have the ability to manage my dialysis treatment on my own terms. Setting up the dialysis machine, connecting the needles, and monitoring the process have become familiar routi ..read more

May 13th, 2024, GLENDALE, CA — Renal Support Network (RSN) is thrilled to unveil the theme for its 22nd annual essay contest. This year, we invite people who have kidney disease to share their personal story about how a form of entertainment media helps you in your journey of navigating life with kidney disease. We encourage writers to explore the question: “Which film, television series, book, or song provides you with comfort?” The contest is open to all people in the United States who have been diagnosed with kidney disease, have had a kidney transplant, or are on dialysis. RSN’s Essay ..read more

As we sit down to chat, Lesley H. shares that she’s just returned from travels to her native New Zealand and to Australia. She’s returned the very day before, but the 87-year-old shows no signs of fatigue, of jet lag. Perhaps when you’ve seen as much as she has, zooming back and forth across the world doesn’t affect you quite as much. She’s cheerful, delightfully twangy in her “Kiwi” accent, and delightfully purpose-driven: helping children has been, is, and always will be, her guiding light. Lori Hartwell and Lesley at the 2022 University Kidney Research Organization (UKRO) Gala where Lori re ..read more

Mary and Vinny join the call first, followed shortly by Marlene and Joey. The mother-son duos appear in parallel squares, mirroring one another, each mom on the outside of the frame with the sons next to one another, separated only by the thin column designating Zoom windows. The families have known one another for about fifteen years, and despite them tuning in from their separate households, the energy flowing between the two rectangles, next to one another on the screen, is palpable. Joey and Vinny and Marlene and Mary are entwined in one another’s stories—the gift of friendship, understand ..read more