Welcome to our CaringBridge website. Ian's journey with kidney disease started before he was born. Now at age 14, he is in need of a kidney transplant. This is a brief synopsis of his kidney journey up until now:
"But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength" - 2 Timothy 4:17
Ian's diagnosis that caused his kidney disease is called Posterior Urethral Valves (PUV). It is a rare, non-genetic condition - 1 in 8,000 newborn boys are affected. In utero, Ian had a small blockage in his urinary system that would not allow amniotic fluid to exit. This caused a build up of fluid, damaging both kidneys and his bladder. After birth, he had surgery to remove the blockage, but his kidney function would always be affected. When he was 9 years old, he had his left kidney removed. His remaining kidney has functioned very well up until now. With his rapid growth during the past 2 years, his right kidney function has continued to decline. With worsening kidney function, the body becomes fatigued and appetite decreases. We have seen a dramatic change in Ian the past 3-4 months. He has lost weight and is very tired, indicating that it is time for a new kidney.
In 2016, it was determined that Shannon was a match as a living kidney donor for Ian. A kidney transplant is not a cure - it is a treatment. There will be new medications and new challenges after surgery, but it's expected that Ian will feel so much better, will eat like any normal 14 yr old boy should and live a normal life! The surgery will take place in Seattle, WA at Seattle Children's Hospital. We (Ian, Marty and Shannon) will travel to Seattle on July 5, 2017. Surgery is scheduled for July 12, 2017. We expect to be in the Seattle area for 4-6 weeks before returning home to Anchorage.
We are so thankful for family and friends who have offered prayers, love and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
"On the mountains, I will bow my life to the one who set me there.
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there."
CaringBridge is a nonprofit social network dedicated to helping family and friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health journey. Learn more about CaringBridge.
