At 14 years old, Aiden describes himself as a normal teen who loves life. Others who know Aiden often use the word “resilient.”
About Aiden
No matter what he faces or how hard things may seem, Aiden puts one foot in front of the other, and he keeps going. He never complains. He is always thankful.
Aiden's journey, marked by the challenges of living with kidney disease since birth, is a story of adversity that has cultivated compassion and generosity in all those who have the privilege of being a part of Aiden’s life.
Whether it is staying behind and holding the door for someone, rushing over to pick up something his mom or a stranger has dropped, or offering to help someone who needs an extra hand, no matter what kind of day Aiden is experiencing himself, he will find a way to help out or bring a smile to someone’s face. His empathy knows no bounds.
Aiden’s favorite things to do include hanging out with Chuck, the family rescue dog; playing video games; watching the “The Flash” series or Godzilla and King Kong movies; and eating chips and salsa or other spicy foods.
Aiden’s declining kidney function is affecting all aspects of his life. Holidays with family and beach vacations have been put on hold since the kidney disease has advanced. He now relies on a gastrostomy tube to get fluid and the nutrition and calories necessary for a 14-year-old boy. He sleeps up to 12 hours a night and takes three-hour naps during the day. When Aiden is not resting, he is navigating life in a wheelchair that helps him keep up with others.
Aiden and his family are waiting for a lifesaving kidney transplant. Now, it is Aiden’s family and his teacher, Mrs. Dawn, who bring a smile to Aiden’s face when he has had a rough day.
A common question the Kidneys for Communities team receives is whether adults can donate to children, and the answer is yes. If you or anyone you know is interested in learning more about living kidney donation or would like to learn more about how to help Aiden, please reach out to Kidneys for Communities at info@kidneysforcommunities.org. The Kidneys for Communities team is here to answer your questions.
KIDNEY DONATION
How does kidney donation work?
A donor doesn’t need to be an exact match. In fact, because of the Nobel Prize-winning paired kidney exchange program, your kidney donation will not only save one life, but it will save several more in the chain.
Living kidney donation is safe, and all costs associated with your donation are covered. Living donor kidneys also last much longer than deceased donor kidneys. A deceased donor kidney transplant, on average, lasts 10-15 years, while a living donor transplant lasts 12-20 years.
Kidneys for Communities® Donor Benefits
Donating a kidney is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling acts someone can do.
Kidneys for Communities can help you through the process to help save a life, but we know there are many obstacles that can be prohibitive to the donor. At Kidneys for Communities, we take care of our donors with the industry’s most complete donor benefits package:
Onboarding and education
Personalized guidance through the donation process
Anonymity
Cost reimbursements:
Travel, food & lodging, lost wages, child, pet and adult care