At just 12 years old, Gaspar is facing a kidney transplant. Gaspar is a bright, loving, outgoing, and caring 12-year-old boy with a wonderful personality and a genuine curiosity about the world around him. He is funny, silly, loves to eat, and enjoys spending time in the kitchen. He is always eager to learn, ask questions, and experience new adventures. He also has a deep love for animals. As his mother, one of the qualities I admire most about Gaspar is his willingness to never give up and always keep trying, as well as his ability to find joy even during difficult times.
In 2021, our family life changed unexpectantly when Gaspar suddenly became very ill. He developed a fever and became extremely weak and fatigued. I knew something was not right, so I rushed him to the hospital. After a thorough evaluation, doctors discovered blood and protein in his urine. Further testing showed the source of his problem was his kidneys.
To understand what was causing the kidney damage, Gaspar underwent a kidney biopsy during which doctors removed a very small sample of kidney tissue for examination. After biopsy we received the diagnosis that Gaspar has Alport Syndrome.
Alport Syndrome is a rare inherited genetic disorder caused by a change in genes involving in type IV collogen – a protein that is important for the normal function of the kidney, inner ear, and eyes. The condition can cause progressive kidney disease and affect hearing and vision.
Since receiving his diagnosis, Gaspar has continued to be monitored and treated by his amazing medical team. Unfortunately, his kidney function progressively declined. His kidneys are functioning at approximately 23%, and his doctors have determined that it is time to move forward with the kidney transplant process. As his mother watching my son go through this journey has been incredibly difficult. My greatest priority is making sure Gaspar receives the proper care and support he needs while knowing that he is never facing it alone. I want to be by his side through every appointment, treatment, transplant and recovery to hold his hand, encourage him and remind him everyday that he is loved and supported.
We are raising funds for COTA for Gaspar to help the many transplant-related expenses such as medical care, medications, transportation, travel, food, and other costs that may arise though treatment, transplant and recovery.
We are asking for your love and kindness as Gaspar begins his next chapter. Every contribution to COTA for Gaspar, regardless of the amount, can make a meaningful difference. If you are unable to donate to COTA for Gaspar, please consider sharing Gaspar’s story, offering a prayer or keeping him and our family in your thoughts as it is also deeply appreciated.
Dear God,
I place my son in your hands and trust you with his future.
Amen
Dianela
The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA is the nation’s only fundraising organization solely dedicated to raising life-saving dollars in honor of transplant-needy children and young adults. 100% of each contribution made to COTA in honor of our patients helps meet transplant-related expenses. COTA’s services are free to our families, and gifts to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.