Winners of Renal Support Network's 13th Annual Essay Contest announced

Now in its 13^th year of providing a voice for people who have kidney disease and are passionate about writing, Renal Support Network (RSN) announces the winners of its 13^th Annual Essay Contest. This year's theme was "How Have You Used Your Experiences to Give Hope to Others with Kidney Disease?" Entrants needed to meet only one qualification— to have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Essays were submitted from patients all across the United States.

"I am inspired every year by the incredible essays we receive. We received so many essays. The theme about hope spoke to many authors," said Lori Hartwell, RSN's founder and president. It is always a treat to contact the winners. This year's 1^st place winner Debbie Sorensen said, "When I saw the notice for the essay contest, I thought maybe I didn't have enough experience to share my story. Then, after reading last year's essays, I thought why not - we all have a story to tell. I am thrilled to inspire others, and to win is just incredible. I try to inspire my students as a high school teacher every day, and am pleased my story will be shared."

Cash awards were given for First Place ($500), Second Place ($300), Third Place ($100) and two Honorable Mentions ($50 each). Winning essays and more information about kidney disease are available at www.RSNhope.org.

• 1^st Place – "Helping Other People Evolve" by Debbie Sorensen of Fullerton, California
• 2^nd Place – "Stepping Stones." by Gordon Merle Labuhn of Langley, Washington
• 3^rd Place – "A Stranger's Voice" by Chris R. Cala of Las Vegas, Nevada
• Honorable Mention – "Give Me a Cheer" by Dr. Sharon England of Santa Clarita, CA
• Honorable Mention – "My Pal Hope" by Sasha Couch of Los Angeles, CA

High blood pressure and diabetes are the two leading causes of kidney failure. People who have kidney failure need dialysis or a kidney transplant to live. RSN provides educational materials and peer support.