Adrian’s New Kidney
Adrian was born with bilateral renal hypoplasia — small kidneys that did not develop normally in utero. After he was born, he received antibiotics for an infection, and doctors noted his abnormally high antibiotic levels.
The experts in our Nephrology Department followed Adrain’s condition closely because eventually his small kidneys would not be able to support his body’s needs.
In May 2009, Adrian’s renal function significantly deteriorated. And after subsequent evaluation, doctors placed Adrian on the transplant list in August 2009.
The Superhero Kidney
Adrian thought his mom was going to give him a kidney, but she could not.
She said she remembered the movie Life is Beautiful and wanted to make the experience a "game" for Adrian.
For him to understand, she told him the doctors said if she gave him her kidney he would start painting his nails and fixing his hair. So instead they wanted to give him a superhero kidney.
Everyone on the floor played along. Even the cleaning lady knew about it. Whenever he visited the hospital, his mom would tell him that the kidney was so powerful they had to make it just right for him.
Finally, a kidney became available for Adrian on October 23, 2009, and he received his transplant before having to go on dialysis.
Read MoreWell-mannered, yes.
Mild-mannered, no.
Today, Adrian has the energy of any normal nine-year old. He loves video games, Transformers and playing with his little sister, five years his junior.
He’s happy to show you his muscles or teach you all about Raptors.
Although instead of downing Cokes like most kids his age, he prefers water because “it’s good for his new kidney.”
Kidney Transplants
350. That’s how many successful kidney transplants we’ve performed since our program began in 1979.
Today we treat a wide variety of kidney diseases from renal dysplasia to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis – and many of the more easier-to-pronounce ones in between.
A dedicated team of surgeons, physicians, psychologists, child life specialists, social workers, pharmacists, dieticians, pastoral providers, financial counselors and transplant coordinators handle each child’s specific case.
We also offer the Pediatric to Adult Care Transition (PACT) Program to help patients transition from Children’s to adult facilities.
To make more stories like Adrian’s possible, give now.
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