Our son, Cash, was born in March 2013 and has lived a very healthy childhood until a routine well-visit in April 2017 discovered that Cash had unusually high blood pressure. During that visit, additional tests revealed that he also had protein in his urine. This is often caused by a kidney infection, however his doctor ordered a 24-hour test and requested that we have more frequent blood pressure checks. Finally, in June 2017, the additional test results uncovered that Cash had Nephrotic Syndrome. Also, during our first round of genetic testing we have discovered that Cash has a wt1 mutation, also known as Wilms Tumor.
Nephrotic Syndrome causes protein to leak into the kidneys and is a warning sign that kidney failure is imminent. A biopsy has discovered that he has extensive scarring caused by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (or FSGS). The scarring is irreversible, we can slow it down with diet and medication, but it cannot be stopped. With every scar comes decreased kidney function and eventually Cash will enter kidney failure.
Cash’s childhood is forever altered – he will require a lifetime of medicine, medical care and he will continue to be on a very restrictive diet to lower his sodium and potassium intake. Cash’s doctors have put him on blood pressure medications that would normally be given to an adult to help keep his blood pressure regulated, and he could possibly go through dialysis as complete kidney failure occurs.
His medical team at Children’s Hospital in Dallas have recommended a life-saving kidney transplant. Even with the help of medical insurance, the cost of a transplant often exceeds $500,000. Many transplant families are unable to shoulder the financial burden of such a procedure. At the recommendations of his medical staff, we have chosen to team up with Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA). COTA is a nationally recognized charity dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-related expenses for children like Cash. With the help of the Children’s Organ Transplant Association and local volunteers we hope to raise an estimated $100,000 in honor of our child, Cash.
Over the next year you may see us posting various types of fundraisers, we appreciate any prayers and emotional support you can send our way. If the fundraiser looks like something you may be interested in taking part in we would LOVE your participation. We hope to see you at one of our many fundraisers we have planned.
Without the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) and our volunteers and financial donors, our family would be devastated by medical bills. Thank you for helping us to give our Cash the gift of LIFE!
I look forward to getting to know as many of you as possible. I feel so blessed to be a part of this community. If any of you have ideas about how to get Cash’s name and fundraisers out there, please don’t hesitate to message us at cotaforcashw@gmail.com.