Addison (Addy) Opel

In June of 2019, doctors confirmed that Addy's father, Jon Opel, is a match and he will be able to donate a kidney to Addy. So on July 30, 2019 both Addy and her Daddy will be going into surgery. 

Addy was born in 2009 without functioning kidneys. She was born early so her lungs were under developed and she only weighed 5 pounds. The first 5 and a half months of her life were spent in the hospital. The highlights of an otherwise long story are that she had several surgeries before she left the hospital and spent the first 2 years of her life on peritoneal dialysis. When she was 2 years old she had a kidney transplant. 

Addy and all branches of her large family are forever grateful to Lindsey for her selfless and generous kidney donation. It is such a miracle that Lindsey was the first to be tested and she was a perfect match. We will never be able to thank her enough for the precious gift she gave our family. Thanks again Lindsey you will always be so very special to all of us. 

About a year after the transplant Addy had a kidney biopsy that showed signs of rejection but the doctors at OHSU and Doernbecher Children's Hospital were able to find treatments that would keep the kidney functioning for many years. Addy used Lindsey's kidney for over 8 years and lived free of dialysis. Only very recently has Addy needed dialysis.

Spending time in hospitals isn't new to Addy or her family. She has made many trips to Doerbecher over the years. Her parents may remember the number of surgeries she's had but I lost count at 12 or 13 when she was about 3 years old. She is a brave young lady but this will be big even for someone as brave as Addy.  Thanks for remembering Addy, Jon and the rest of the family in your prayers. 

Gma (Julie Wehling)