COTA for Henry's Journey

Our Story

Henry was born on August 29^th, 2017 at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. The NICU team was on standby and ready because his prenatal ultrasound showed that he had fluid buildup in both of his kidneys. Shortly after being born, a blood test showed that he was in renal failure and was transferred to the NICU immediately where he spent the first month of his life. He was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease, along with swallowing problems and a heart murmur. While he was in the NICU he had his first surgery to place a feeding tube when he was only a week old. It was definitely a tough start for this little guy!

Henry’s kidney doctors made it very clear he was going to need a kidney transplant or dialysis in near future. Thankfully, his kidneys did have enough function allowing him to grow and thrive for the past two years in combination with a special diet through his feeding tube and numerous medications throughout the day. With multiple surgeries to preserve his remaining kidney function and numerous trips to the ER, we are very excited that Henry has finally reached the appropriate size for the kidney transplant.

Three days before Henry’s second birthday, he was referred to his transplant surgeon. His mother and father were evaluated as potential donors and found out that Henry’s mother was a match! Henry is going to be receiving a second chance. Thanks to the amazing medical team at OHSU and the kidney he will be receiving from his mother. This is going to be stressful but very exciting transition for the Parker family. It will continue to be a hard journey ahead with special diets and medications including lifelong immunosuppressants, not to mention the possible multiple transplants throughout his life.

We are very thankful for the love and support from our friends and family, and we ask for your continued support and prayers in this transformative chapter in Henry’s life!

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.