Young People Living With Kidney Disease Celebrate Renal Teen Prom

NBC Los Angeles | Samantha Tata
Photo: Prom season came early for hundreds of teens and young adults living with kidney disease. The Renal Teen Prom is the brain child of Renal Support Network founder Lori Hartwell, who missed experiencing the right of passage because of kidney disease. Janet Kwak reports from Sherman Oaks for the NBC4 News at 6 p.m. on Jan. 20, 2013.

Hundreds of teens and young adults living with kidney disease donned evening gowns and ties, and let loose with one of Hollywood’s top stars on Sunday at the annual Renal Teen Prom, meant to give them a chance â€" sometimes their first â€" to experience the right of passage.

Now in its 14th year, the Renal Teen Prom was created by Renal Support Network founder Lori Hartwell, who missed her own prom because of kidney disease.

"I spent all my teenage years on dialysis and I didn’t want other teens to miss this coming-of-age event," Hartwell said.

She and others helped create what has become a special night for teens and young adults who didn't get a chance to go to their proms, whether they were undergoing dialysis or were in the hospital at the time. Or simply didn't feel up to it.

"I’m here to support and tell them what I’ve been through and to know what they’re going through so we could help each other other," said Heather Gutierrez, attendee.


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