**=== RSNHOPE.ORG Presents: The 2007 8th Annual Renal Teen Prom.===** PICS!

[Epoman]

Lori Hartwell & The Renal Support Network Presents:

The 2007 8th Annual Renal Teen Prom: "Midnight At The Oasis, An Evening Among The Stars".

http://www.rsnhope.org - The main site.
http://www.rsnhope.org/programs/renal_teen_prom2.php - Read all about the Renal Teen Prom here.
http://www.rsnhope.org/programs/kidney_talk3.php - The Internet Radio Talk show, Kidney Talk.

I had always heard about Lori's renal teen prom, but I never imagined how awesome it really is. When Lori asked me if I wanted to be a volunteer and be a driver for a couple of teens in my area, I said sure, then she said I am welcome to stay and enjoy myself. Well I picked up my 2 teens that were scheduled to me and we got to the prom right on time. And let me tell you Lori spares NO EXPENSE. Everything Lori does is first class. I was blown away by the amount of decorations and work that must have been involved in getting this prom ready. It was simply mind boggling. Here is a list of the activities that Lori had going on at the 2007 Renal Teen Prom.

• Dancing
• Glamour Photos
• Limo Rides
• Caricature Artists
• KidneyTalk Radio Show "Live"
• Lots of Celebrities
• Food, food and more food.

I was amazed at the amount of food that was there, It seemed like the people handing out the appetizers never stopped coming. Then the buffet for dinner was amazing the entree was Pasta with Chicken and vegetables, green salad, pizza bread bites, assorted fruits, carrot cake, Otis Spunkmeyer cookies, crackers and cheese (low phosphorus), and many flavors of soda. Oh and the deserts, oh my the deserts were simply delectable, many to choose from and tasted amazing.

Plus there were raffle prizes such as Gift certificates to places like: The Gap, L.A. Zoo, Sea World, Aquarium of the Pacific, Restaurants, even IPOD Nano's but if you didn't win a prize it was ok, because EVERYONE got an amazing "Gift Bag" at the end of the night, even the volunteers, so I got one too. Picture of what was included below.

I am hooked, I hope Lori allows me to be a volunteer next year as well. It was actually very emotional for me as I never got to go to my own high school prom and I actually got very emotional and was so grateful that Lori Hartwell allows teens affected by Kidney Disease to have a chance to experience something so wonderful. Lori even invited my wife, but unfortunately, my wife is in Final Exams week for her online college courses and with work and school her time is very limited so she could not spare the 6 hours it would have taken to attend, since this is FINALS week. I really wish Epowife could have attended. But hopefully next year.

Words can not describe what an amazing person Lori is. She puts on this Renal Prom for teens and I know it's something they will NEVER forget. I know I will not ever forget. Because of Lori I was able to give my son something I couldn't do. "Give him an evening with the stars". My son had an amazing time and I think this night will be one of those nights that stays burned in his memory for life, I know it will be for me.

Here are some pics, enjoy:

A banner created by our very own "Bill Peckham"



Inside the Oasis, you had to see it to believe it.



Another view from inside the Oasis



Another banner created by our very own "Bill Peckham"



Nick, Epoman, and Actor "Gary Sinise"



Nick asked a girl to dance.



Nick getting "Giggy wit it"



If anything my son is NOT shy.



Nick and Actor "Stephan Furst"



Nick and Actress "Alexa Vega"



Nick, Actor "John McCook" and Epoman



Lori Hartwell and Epoman



Actor/Comedian "Sinbad" and Nick



Nick, "Sinbad" and Epoman



Nick and a Los Angeles Clipper Cheerleader.



The "Gift Bag" that EVERYONE received. WOW is all I can say.


I really loved the Gift Bag, Just look at all the cool items EVERYONE got. I will be using my KidneyTalk Blanket everyday while I dialyze at home. My son even wants to use the backpack as his school backpack, I might let him.

Well that's my personal report of the 2007 8th Annual RSN Renal Teen Prom. I hope you all check out the links above and visit Lori's amazing site and see for yourself all the amazing things Lori Hartwell has accomplished and all that she does for the Renal Community.

Lori Hartwell has the perfect last name..... because Lori makes peoples Heart Well.

Thanks Lori for all that you do!

- Epoman
Owner/Admin

[Bill Peckham]

Awesome post Epoman - complete with shots of my banners  (ignoring the one I wrinkled - I only had one shot to laminate  )

Here is a link to a RSN Prom article in the LA Times, not as well reported as Epoman's reporting plus what's the deal the LA Times can't send a photographer?
 
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-prom15jan15,1,3415098.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california&ctrack=1&cset=true

That link is supper long and may not be perminant so the title of the story is Youths who missed their senior prom get a night to remember
search the LA Times web site here http://www.latimes.com/

[Rerun]

Why would teens miss their prom because of kidney problems?  Unless you have a transplant and are all puffy.  Meaning the captain of the Football team may not ask you. Most people don't even know I'm on dialysis.

Sorry, but I don't really like singling out "renal kids" as retards or something.

Now Epokid who is not on dialysis looked like he had a BALL and the time of his life.  AND there were a lot of healthy people there and I'm sure it was fun.  I would have gone myself.

I don't know.  It just rubs me the wrong way putting the "poor me" spin on things.  Victom Victom   

My opinion.

[Bill Peckham]

What’s wrong with age appropriate events for people who have CKD in common? There is never a poor me spin to a Lori Hartwell event. I’m in favor of events that bring people on dialysis together. It’s just one night and it’s not like you have to have missed your prom.

I have hosted picnics and holiday parties for people who dialyze and their supporters. I came up with the idea for a Kidney Expo and we’ve had two here in Seattle. This year is the Northwest Kidney Centers 45th year (my provider), and I’m advocating for a fancier get together. I’m inspired by Lori’s teen prom and I would like to have a Dress to Dazzle Casino Night for dialyzors and their guest. I do not think this would be a good idea because dialyzors can’t go gamble on their own, I think it is a good idea because it would be fun, adult night out. Booze should be served.

A dance for teens, with celebrities, that models living successfully with CKD5? I vote yes.

[Bill Peckham]

I do agree that the LA Times headline puts as heart-tugging a spin as could be construed but really that is about marketing the story by a major newspaper rather then the actual dynamic. I think the way dialysis is 'reported' in the major papers is unhelpful and inaccurate (e.g. see my 28,000 word post about an 1,800 word New York Times article on NY dialysis here: http://forums.homedialysis.org/showthread.php?t=1303 ).

[Sluff]

Awesome is all I can say. I'm glad Epokid had the chance to meet some well known celebrities. I'm glad Epoman finally went to prom.

Thanks to Lori Hartwell and all contributors to this event.

Great artwork on the banner from Bill Peckman.


Oh and Epokid...umm you have good taste in girls but...aren't you gettin started a little early?...then again it's better than starting to late isn't it?  Looks like you had a great time.

[kitkatz]

I drove for the prom last year, unfortunately when they called this year, I was exhausted and not feeling well. So a two hour drive was not for me this year.  Maybe next year.

[Zach]

I think the way dialysis is 'reported' in the major papers is unhelpful and inaccurate (e.g. see my 28,000 word post about an 1,800 word New York Times article on NY dialysis here: http://forums.homedialysis.org/showthread.php?t=1303 ).

How about a "Letter to the Editor" to the NY Times??

[goofynina]

Amazing,  Boss, do you realize what is happening, you are slowly (but surely) working your way up amigo, i think in a matter of time you are going to be on that Oprah stage    Those pics sure say 1,000 words, I am happy Lori Hartwell is able to do this for those kids, NOW I WANT A PARTY FOR ADULTS you may tell her i said that    

[Nan]

I don't know.......being a teenager is tough enough, without having any medical problems!
What a wonderful night for all........Lori is an angel to put all of this together, and how fortunate for you to be a part of this with your son.  I applaud Lori's work and dedication to this event and all those who helped to make it a success! 

[kitkatz]

Amazing,  Boss, do you realize what is happening, you are slowly (but surely) working your way up amigo, i think in a matter of time you are going to be on that Oprah stage    Those pics sure say 1,000 words, I am happy Lori Hartwell is able to do this for those kids, NOW I WANT A PARTY FOR ADULTS you may tell her i said that    

I think a New Year's Eve Party for next year for renal patients would be great.   A dance just for us!  It is so hard to plan and go out fancy on the weekends with dialysis on Friday nights.  How about it folks! Are you up to New Years Eve Party in 2007?

[nextnoel]

That event looked absolutely awesome - thanks for the pictures.  (Everyone looked good, but Nick is the cutest!)

[Bajanne]

Just read this post.  I had seen the title, but thought it was just a bit of information - didn't know there would be all those great pics.  That was just awesome!  In the midst of this renal challenge I think we get to meet some really inspiring people - Lori, Bill, Bill.....
How could Epokid ever forget that time!  What a blast!

[Epoman]

Why would teens miss their prom because of kidney problems?  Unless you have a transplant and are all puffy.  Meaning the captain of the Football team may not ask you. Most people don't even know I'm on dialysis.

Sorry, but I don't really like singling out "renal kids" as retards or something.

Now Epokid who is not on dialysis looked like he had a BALL and the time of his life.  AND there were a lot of healthy people there and I'm sure it was fun.  I would have gone myself.

I don't know.  It just rubs me the wrong way putting the "poor me" spin on things.  Victom Victom   

My opinion.

Well I waited before commenting on this, to see if others felt the same way. I totally disagree with you Rerun, this is not at all about putting a "poor me" spin on things. And I really don't understand your comment on "but I don't really like singling out "renal kids" as retards or something" That is just an ignorant statement. Because many kids who were at the prom were either to sick to go to their own prom or they had some other medical reason why they couldn't attend their own prom. I think being sick sucks, but it must suck 1000 times more when you are a child or a teen and have never been given the chance to be a "kid" and do "kid" or teen" things. It was a wonderful event that Lori has put on for the last 8 years and as long as I am around I hope to be a driver every year. It is far from what you think of it Rerun. This night was a night that will not be forgotten soon by hundreds of teens, and Lori made that possible and for that I highly respect her.

Also I hope no one got upset because "EpoKid" got to the renal prom. I did receive a hateful/hurtful email from one member (not one of the regulars) that was very upset that I brought Epokid and he got to enjoy himself. He thought it was unfair to the others because Epokid does not have Kidney disease. Well if anyone else is questioning "why Epokid was there" he was personally invited by Lori Hartwell, in fact my wife was invited as well but she could not make it due to college assignments that she needed to get done by a deadline. But Epokid was dancing in my place and having a great time AND I since I have had kidney disease for 13 years and been on dialysis for those 13 years, I PAID MY DUES and if I want my son to enjoy the prom in my place because I am stuck in this wheelchair, so be it. I didn't even bother responding to the idiot who sent me that email, but I am responding now in case anyone else has that same feelings. Everyone got to bring a GUEST and that guest did not have to be a patient, my guest was Epokid.

So discuss? Do you think the prom is a bad idea? and do you think that me bringing Epokid was in poor taste?

- Epoman
Owner/Admin

[Sluff]

I think it was great Epoman that even being wheelchair bound that you took the initiative to go and give a ride to some of the children.

I think it is cool that you were able to go and that Lori invited your entire family.

To the moron that complained about Epokid being there, well get over it, because if for no other reason at least Epoman and Epokid were able to do something together and I'm sure Epokid had the chance to meet some celebrities that I have not ever met. That in itself would have been worth going for.Also I talked to epokid on the phone and he had an awesome time.

What is wrong with some people?

Epoman did nothing wrong? What gives some of you the right to judge where epoman goes or where he allows his son to go?

[Amanda From OZ]

I cant believe what some people complain about. Epoman i am so glad you and your son had a great time. You deserve it.  What some people might not realize is kidney disease affects the whole family. i am sure nick has not found it easy seeing his father on dialysis everyday, he deserved the night out as much as anyone else.

[Rerun]

I agree that Epokid should have gone to support his father who is on dialysis. 

I don't agree about all the "Bullying" for people who say what they feel.  That is what this site is all about.....remember??

If you are too sick to go to your prom then why would you be feeling well enough to go to the "Renal Prom"??  That is lame Epoman.  You are all FOR this because you were invited and are one of the "IN" crowd now.  That is all.

I feel the same way about the "Transplant Games" and I've been to one!  It is just like the Special Olympics!

Call me "Ignorant" if you want.  This was just an EVENT to single out kidney problems and I don't see why?  Normal people miss their prom because of the flu...

I'd rather see a Transplant Prom where kids are now well and draw attention to the awesome gift of Transplatnation.

No one is going to say what they feel anymore with your Power Rangers in persuit.

[boxman55]

hell I am jealous that girl epokid was dancing with I hope he got her phone number. Nice job.

[kitkatz]

If you got the prom as a driver and you wer einvited as well as your son, who the hell cares what anyone else thinks!   It looked like lots of fun and I wish I had driven then we would have met and had a great time.

[Sluff]

 After Reruns reply I want to clarify that all members are allowed to voice their opinions. My comments have nothing to do with the normal day to day operation of IHD.




The only issue here was the fact that someone sent a nasty message to Epoman anonomously through e-mail judging his parenting decisions. That is a personal attack, and it is uncalled for and a cheap shot. I would defend Epoman at all cost regarding this issue.

[goofynina]

After Reruns reply I want to clarify that all members are allowed to voice their opinions. My comments have nothing to do with the normal day to day operation of IHD.




The only issue here was the fact that someone sent a nasty message to Epoman anonomously through e-mail judging his parenting decisions. That is a personal attack, and it is uncalled for and a cheap shot. I would defend Epoman at all cost regarding this issue.

That makes two of us Sluff

[glitter]

I think any excuse for a party is alright with me   ,and bringing your kid as your guest is only your business.

[Epoman]

I agree that Epokid should have gone to support his father who is on dialysis. 

I don't agree about all the "Bullying" for people who say what they feel.  That is what this site is all about.....remember??

If you are too sick to go to your prom then why would you be feeling well enough to go to the "Renal Prom"??  That is lame Epoman.  You are all FOR this because you were invited and are one of the "IN" crowd now.  That is all.

I feel the same way about the "Transplant Games" and I've been to one!  It is just like the Special Olympics!

Call me "Ignorant" if you want.  This was just an EVENT to single out kidney problems and I don't see why?  Normal people miss their prom because of the flu...

I'd rather see a Transplant Prom where kids are now well and draw attention to the awesome gift of Transplatnation.

No one is going to say what they feel anymore with your Power Rangers in persuit.

First off sorry Rerun if you took what I said as calling you ignorant, as I was not saying that. I was saying that was an ignorant statement. But you have every right to speak your mind and if you are against the "Renal Prom" so be it, that is your option.

If you are too sick to go to your prom then why would you be feeling well enough to go to the "Renal Prom"??  That is lame Epoman.  You are all FOR this because you were invited and are one of the "IN" crowd now.  That is all.

The prom is for people who missed their prom because of health problems in the past or for current health problems. I am not one of the "IN" crowd I simply was asked to be a driver (because I live in the area) and I accepted, then because I volunteered, I was allowed to bring a guest and enjoy the prom. It really is an amazing event and everyone there had a wonderful time.

As to this comment:

I don't agree about all the "Bullying" for people who say what they feel.  That is what this site is all about.....remember??

Bullying? I was just saying how I feel, just as you have a right to say how much you are against the Renal prom. Your first post in this thread was very negative and I did not censor you in anyway, in fact I waited to see if anyone else agreed with you. But so far you are alone. Everyone is welcome to state their opinion on the renal prom, good or bad, for or against. However unless they have been to the event and seen it first hand, they can not see first hand how happy it makes the teens and that is what it is all about. Giving some teens some normalcy in life.

Not sure what this comment means:

No one is going to say what they feel anymore with your Power Rangers in persuit.

Please explain.

- Epoman

[Rerun]

Hey, I'm all for a party.  I'm sure it was a wonderful event.  All I am saying is that dialysis does NOT prevent people from going to the prom.  L A Times title "Youths who missed their senior prom get a night to remember." 

They are masking a "party or event" with a sad oh poor me up shot.   

If nothing else it is a place teens can get together who all have something in common.  Kidney Disease.  It is not because they missed their prom because they were on dialysis. 

I see where they did hold it on a three day weekend and on a Sunday.  That is great.  No dialysis and no school the next day.  Now THAT is different than another prom. 

As far as the Power Rangers...... Those are heroes who come running in blindly to save the day.  You said you received "a hateful email".  Now maybe if you had posted the "hateful" email I could have made a judgment.  But you didn't, and people were still all over it.  I'm not asking for evidence.  It just hit me that people were on your side without it.

I'm happy I have this website to learn and laugh.  I would have never known there was such a thing as a Renal Prom without this website.  I'm also glad I can question the Admin/Owner without being censored or banned.  Even though I'm a Moderator I don't have to agree with everything you do or say.  That is what FOX News calls "Fair and Balanced".

[Sluff]

Rerun, you are right you had no information regarding the email so there was no way for you or anyone else to understand where I was coming from.

I just don't think that people should have comment or judge anyone for the decisions of a parent, unless it is a gross negligent situation where the child in question could be severely injured or negatively affected by a particular decision. This was not the case here, as is the reason I became a power ranger for the moment.