Hi, I’m Lori Hartwell

I have always been creative throughout my life. I have used it as a tool to help me cope with having kidney failure as a child resulting in 13 years of dialysis, 50 plus surgeries and now living with my 4th kidney transplant. I started painting in 2016 and have become obsessed with learning the craft. I love to learn about all types of mediums, take classes and apply my intuition and how I feel to the canvas in front of me.

For the last 14 I have also been designing jewelry. When I am in the creative zone it helps eliminate pain, makes me happy and time flies. When I am creating something, or watching someone create, it helps me relax and live in the moment. Research has shown that when you work with your hands it helps your mental well-being and makes you happy. I agree with this statement wholeheartedly.

I am and author of a book called Chronically Happy and founded and run a non-profit to help my peers called Renal Support Network. RSNhope.org.

I have been happily married for 20 plus years and we have 4 dogs, cat and a parrot.