Wow, what a journey Clay has been on. And the Lord has truly been so faithful, merciful and gracious. 

At 8:30 on January 24, 2020 they wheeled Rachel Balson (Clay’s Kidney donor and close family friend) to the operating room. After a couple hours they had removed “the healthiest kidney” the surgeon had ever seen. Within hours Clay had his new kidney inserted and the surgeons saw his body immediately begin to use it. By 2:00 that afternoon both Clay and Rachel were all stitched up and in the recovery room. Rachel was up and walking within a day and was released just a few days later. Clay originally was supposed to stay a minimum of a full week in the hospital for observation in case anything went awry after a few days. They ended up releasing him a day early because for several days the doctors had found everything so normal that they had nothing to talk about. He spent most of his days doing card tricks for his visitors. In fact, Clay has been feeling even better than Rachel most days. However, the recovery to get fully back to normal will be long and require much patience for both of them. Rachel, a mountain biking enthusiast and Iron Man finisher is itching to get back on the bike and to her normal exercise routine. All in good time though. For now she is slowly regaining her appetite and strength while her body is slowly getting used to daily function with the use of only one kidney. She hopes to return to work soon but for now is taking it pretty easy to allow her body the time it needs to recover. 

Clay’s recovery looks a bit different. Because of how important it is for his body to accept this foreign kidney, his body’s immune system has been shut down for a couple months. So far all tests show his body is cooperating as planned. In the meantime though, the risk of developing an infection during this rampant flu season is very dangerous. For as long as his immune system is suppressed, Clay is in “quarantine” from all outside contact. Although they stay busy with weekly trips to UNC for doctors appointments as well as labs that must be run on a weekly basis. While Clay’s new kidney gives him many freedoms, there are also significant restrictions on him both now during recovery and for the rest of his life. There is much to be thankful for but also much to process. Prayer for the Bensons but especially Clay as he adjusts to the new normal is much appreciated. The journey isn’t over yet but they are thankful to have a successful transplant of the “healthiest kidney the doctors have ever seen” behind them.

Fundraising efforts continue in the Maryville TN area with the upcoming Bean and Bailey Comedy Show and Silent Auction at Faith Promise church (Blount Campus) on February 28th. Visit the events tab to see more details and come support COTA for Clay’s Journey!