At just 20 months old, Rio is a lively toddler who loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and recently just started walking. Her days are filled with playing, reading books, and laughter with her big sister Rebel. However, to keep growing and exploring, Rio needs a kidney.
About Rio
Rio was diagnosed with Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD) during gestation.
This is a condition she shares with her sister, Rebel. Her condition was closely monitored from the womb, and she was born prematurely at 34 weeks to ensure her safety. Life since has involved navigating a lot of health challenges, including a nephrectomy to manage her condition and improve her quality of life.
Currently, Rio is undergoing hemodialysis while awaiting a kidney transplant. The process is demanding, requiring four sessions a week at the hospital, but Rio faces each day with a smile. Her mother notes that while dialysis restricts her physically at times, Rio's cheerful attitude and love for her nurses make the sessions as positive as they can be.
For Rio and her family, a living kidney transplant will not only save Rio’s life but it will also allow her to live life like a normal child. Rio's mother shares, "Rio really loves water, and it's going to be such a big moment for us when she can finally take a normal bath again. It's these simple things that mean so much to us.”
The restrictions set by dialysis have put many of Rio’s potential adventures on hold. "Our lives are currently scheduled around Rio's dialysis sessions, which means even small trips to visit family become major undertakings," her mother explains. She looks forward to the day they can travel without the constant worry, saying, "I want to take Rio camping, without the fear of how far we are from the nearest hospital."
Rio's journey is far from over, and she needs your support. A kidney transplant represents hope for a normal life—a chance for Rio to grow up with fewer medical boundaries. By considering becoming a living kidney donor, you can help give Rio a brighter future.
Do you want to help Rio and her family? Please share the link to Rio’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.
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