GLENDALE, Calif.—The Amgen Foundation has approved a challenge grant totaling $150,000 to Renal Support Network (RSN) to support RSN's HOPEline, the organization's toll-free hotline.
The grant was issued in the form of a challenge to help RSN build its base of financial support and introduce RSN to new funders. The Amgen Foundation has provided an initial gift of $100,000 and will contribute $50,000 to RSN upon the organization raising $250,000 from other donors.
"With supporters such as the Amgen Foundation, RSN can continue to instill hope, health, and happiness into the lives of those affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD)," said RSN's founder and President Lori Hartwell. "Kidney disease is a growing epidemic with 1 in 9 American adults suffering from CKD. The Amgen Foundation's support will help bring awareness to CKD and to RSN's stellar programs and services which not only serve CKD patients, but also their family members and healthcare providers."
RSN operates HOPEline—a toll-free hotline at (800) 579.1970—for CKD patients and their loved ones. Callers are connected with a long-term survivor who can answer questions and provide encouragement, support, and resources.
"Often, newly diagnosed people do not know where to turn," Hartwell said. "And navigating the day-to-day issues of CKD can be daunting, even for experienced patients. HOPEline offers the opportunity to speak with a veteran patient who has been where the caller has and can share valuable insights from his or her own experiences."
RSN was founded on the principle that people with CKD can help each other find the support and empowerment that is necessary to take charge of the course and management of their own disease.
"In recent studies hope has emerged as a significant predictor of a patient's ability to adjust to a chronic illness," said Hartwell. "Patients with CKD tend to have higher levels of anxiety and depression than the general public, so it is vital that they receive appropriate resources that will help them develop active coping strategies."
To learn more about other RSN programs and services, please visit RSN's Web site at www.RSNhope.org.
