Diagnosed with CKD at the age of 2 in 1968,[1] Hartwell has had 12 years of dialysis and four transplants.

As of 2008 nine Renal teen Proms have been held in Los Angeles and one in Washington DC.

[3] Hartwell co-hosts a bi-weekly webcast called "KidneyTalk" with Stephen Furst.

The shows run about 30 minutes covering topics of interest to those with CKD.

Hartwell has contributed to several educational and scientific publications including in peer-reviewed journals.