Renal Support Network Announces The Winners Of Its 12th Annual Essay Contest!

GLENDALE, Calif., Sept. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Now in its 12th 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 Annual Essay Contest. This year's theme was "Explain a Choice You've Made to Improve your Health and How It Could Benefit Others." 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," said Lori Hartwell, RSN's founder and president. "The year's theme provides some great insight on how people who have kidney disease improved their lives by taking charge and addressing their challenges head on. We are proud to create an outlet where patients can tell their story." The first place winner, Angelique Barber of Spring, Texas, pens an inspiring story of her journey with weight loss entitled "Help! I'm a Blowfish!" Angelique describes her journey of taking control of weight loss after her kidney transplant. "I often joked with my friends that I am a 'Blowfish' due to my changing size. Once I stopped looking in the mirror I knew it was time to take charge and lose weight," said Angelique.

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.

• 1st Place – "Help! I'm a Blowfish!" by Angelique Barber of Spring, Texas.
• 2nd Place – "D.R.I.N.K." by Arthur DeBose of Newark, New Jersey.
• 3rd Place – "Choose Acceptance" by Riley Pummill of Christiansburg, Virginia.
• Honorable Mention – "A Positive Attitude" by Sarah Tompkins of Rancho Cucamonga, CA
• Honorable Mention – "Temporarily Speaking" by Sandra Kisselback of East Berne, New York.

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.

RSN would like to thank Amgen, Fresenius Medical Care, Genentech, National Renal Administrator's Association, NxStage and Sanofi for the support of RSN's Annual Essay Contest.

The Renal Support Network (RSN) is a nonprofit, patient-focused, patient-run organization that provides nonmedical services to those affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). RSN strives to help patients develop their personal coping skills, special talents, and employability by educating and empowering them and their family members to take control of the course and management of the disease.

SOURCE Renal Support Network