(photo by Haley Miller Photography)

Meet Aiden! This incredible 2-year-old needs a kidney! Aiden loves Cocomelon, Wiggles, and his stuffed Panda (Petey). He also loves to laugh, play, and most of all, spend time with his Momma (Andrea)! Unlike most toddlers, Aiden has a long road ahead of him as he has an uphill battle for his life!

YOU can help support the Children’s Organ Transplant Association so they can assist Aiden with transplant-related expenses throughout his lifelong health journey!

At Aiden’s anatomy ultrasound it was discovered that his left kidney was large and echogenic (bright appearing) and his right kidney was completely covered in small and large cysts. At that point Aiden’s kidney function and overall health was entirely unknown. Doctors could not tell Andrea whether Aiden would survive after being born, and if he did, for how long. With many prayers, and tears, Andrea waited out the final 17 weeks of pregnancy.

 Aiden was born on April 13, 2020 with 15% total kidney function and spent the first 17 days of his life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Miraculously he fought his way out and thankfully did not need immediate dialysis to survive!

 After being home with Momma for 8 months and living like any other normal baby (except with frequent doctor visits and blood draws…) it was discovered that Aiden had developed Autoimmune Neutropenia (AIN). Essentially, Aiden’s body was producing antibodies that destroyed the neutrophils in his little body – leaving him without the means to fight off infections and making him extremely susceptible to illness.

With his kidney disease and autoimmune deficiency, Aiden had countless hospital admissions and even more ER trips. He has been through more in his young life than most people will ever go through in a lifetime. The only reason he is still here is because he is a fighter!  

 At 2 years old, Aiden’s doctors started telling his Momma that it would be time for transplant soon! Aiden has been listed with UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) and the search for a living donor is ongoing. To see if you can be a donor for Aiden please visit www.uw.donorscreen.org

One day, when Aiden understands how many people have supported him in his fight, he will be just as blown away as we are! Thank you all for your love and support! Aiden can’t survive without your support to COTA!!!