Baseball is in his blood, says his mom, Marie. He began playing at age three and hasn’t stopped. He’s also a devoted Chicago Cubs fan, following a long family tradition.
Ethan likes to help others, which is why he organized a reading mentorship program in the elementary school where his mother used to work as a speech pathologist. He and a group of high school boys read to grade-school kids, serving as role models, especially for young boys, to encourage them to enjoy reading.
Ethan, who is in the National Honor Society at his school in suburban Chicago, was initially diagnosed in 2019 with borderline blood pressure, which then led to a diagnosis of proteinuria. Two years later, a biopsy confirmed he suffers from FSGS, which causes a loss of protein and impacts kidney function. In 2022, he developed rhabdomyolysis, which causes severe and pai9nful muscle cramping, starting in the legs and spreading throughout the body. Each episode of cramping has led to a hospital stay for Ethan.
A clinical trial and several medications have not produced any positive results, and a living kidney seems to be the only way forward.
Ethan’s mom says he remains positive and continues to play ball. To avoid overheating, which could lead to a cramping episode, he gave up his catcher’s gear and now plays first base and is also a designated hitter. He continues to look ahead to playing college baseball.
A new kidney will allow him to pursue that lifelong dream.
Do you want to help Ethan? Please share the link to Ethan’s story or reach out to Kidneys for Communities at info@kidneysforcommunities.org to learn more about how you can help. The Kidneys for Communities team is here to answer your questions.
