ADVERSITY NO MATCH FOR LOCAL WOMAN CHRONIC ILLNESS CAN'T KO JOY.

Byline: Naush Boghossian Staff Writer

GLENDALE - Lori Hartwell contracted kidney disease when she was 2, spent 12 years on dialysis and had three kidney transplants - enough to keep most people at home and focused on their health.

But through her adversity, Hartwell, 38, found her courage and discovered her life's purpose: to share her experiences with others and show them that a chronic illness is not a death sentence.

The longtime advocate for people with chronic kidney disease has been named by Sen. Jack Scott, D-Pasadena, as his 21st District Woman of the Year. She will be honored in a ceremony to be held in the state Capitol on March 14.

``Adversity introduced me to who I am and what I'm supposed to do, and I think I'm supposed to be here to serve as a role model to other people with chronic illness and kidney disease and to let them know, despite problems that arise, they can overcome it,'' said the Glendale resident. ``I want to let patients know they can move beyond their illness and lead a joyful life.''

And a joyful, fulfilling life is exactly what Hartwell leads.

The happily married woman heads her own communications firm, tends to her pets and mentors patients. She also has a busy public-speaking schedule - 35 appearances last year.

She speaks with chronically ill patients about her life experiences to give them hope, she coaches health-care professionals on how to communicate with patients who have chronic illnesses, and she's passionate about finding job opportunities for people with chronic illnesses.

She even wrote a book, ``Chronically Happy - Joyful Living in Spite of Chronic Illness,'' on her belief that an illness can be a gift, alerting people to the fact they don't have unlimited time in the world.

``Here is someone who has taken adversity and turned it into a means of helping others,'' Scott said. ``I was amazed that someone who has had three kidney transplants would be able to use her own struggle to help young people deal with their own battles.''

One of the events dearest to Hartwell is the annual prom for teenagers with kidney disease, put on by the nonprofit Renal Support Network that she has headed since 1993.

She recalled that having a chronic illness was most difficult during her teens, and she wants to make that period easier for others.

``When you're a teen, you think you're damaged because you have an illness. I want them to feel comfortable and not be ashamed of it. If you're ashamed of it, you're not going to reach your full potential,'' she said. ``I see a lot of teenagers smiling and knowing they're not alone.''

Every year, Rhonda Brooks takes kids who are on dialysis at Loma Linda Hospital to the renal prom, and she sees the difference the dance makes in their lives.

``It's a chance for them to go somewhere where they don't have to be questioned or explain their illnesses. When they go to the prom, they make friends and see that there is life after dialysis,'' said Brooks, a Renal Support Network board member who also has kidney disease. ``They get to act normal. They get to dance, and that doesn't sound like a big thing, but if you've never seen someone anemic - who finds it hard to move - dance, it's really heartwarming.''

Hartwell's unique props for her speaking engagements say more about her outlook on life than anything else.

She builds a yellow brick road on stage and wears ruby-red shoes like Dorothy's in ``The Wizard of Oz.''

``You have to find your heart, brain and courage. When you find your purpose, you have endless energy, and I've found my niche,'' Hartwell said. ``That has been the key factor in everything that has made me grow. I have always thought there will be a better tomorrow.''

Naush Boghossian, [phone]

naush.boghossian(at)dailynews.com

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Lori Hartwell of Glendale has been named Woman of the Year for state Senate District 21.

Evan Yee/Staff Photographer