Lori Hartwell founded Renal Support Network (RSN) in 1993 to empower people who have kidney disease to become knowledgeable about their illness, proactive in their care, hopeful about their future and make friendships that last a lifetime. Lori was diagnosed in 1968 with kidney failure and knows how important hope, peer connection and knowledge is to survive and thrive with an illness. She has survived 50+ surgeries, and 13 years of dialysis and is living with her fourth – and second successful – kidney transplant. RSN is a nonprofit patient-run organization that provides educational and peer support services to those affected by chronic kidney disease to help them enjoy life by developing friendships and learning how to navigate this illness together. RSN works tirelessly to provide information on different treatment options, to educate people on advocating for themselves as patients, and to boost community awareness on the importance of kidney health and organ donation.