This is the story about Luke, 7 years old, and his kidney transplant journey.
When Cora went in for her routine ultrasound around 20 weeks, it was discovered that her baby had abnormally small kidneys. The doctors were concerned and even asked if they wanted to consider terminating the pregnancy. They could also see that Cora had placenta previa and were hoping that it would resolve on its own before the birth but it never did. On February 13, 2007, a beautiful bundle of joy, Luke Ocampo was born at full term.
Luke at 3 months old
He seemed to be healthy though the doctors were concerned about his small kidneys. His creatinine levels were 0.6 as opposed to 0.2 for normal babies. Cisco and Cora knew that there was a good chance he could have trouble in the future.
Luke’s 7th Birthday
2 and a half years later, Luke became a big brother when Jordan was born in July, 2009. Jordan was perfectly healthy and the Ocampos were overjoyed to have 2 healthy boys now, though they were still watching Luke’s kidney function by doing periodic tests and watching his diet to try to help his growth (low-functioning kidneys stunt growth). At Jordan’s 1 year check-up, Cisco and Cora’s lives changed forever. The Doctors discovered that Jordan’s kidneys were not functioning and his creatinine levels were so high that he should have been having seizures. He was put on emergency dialysis and then was later put on the transplant list. After 2.5 years of being on dialysis, the Ocampos received a call on Christmas eve that there was a kidney available and that day Jordan received a gift of life.
Jordan is growing big and strong
Since then Jordan has grown and thrived on the new kidney!
Luke Testing to be Added to the Transplant Waiting List
About 10 months later at a check-up, Luke’s creatinine levels had crept up and it was obvious that his kidneys were no longer able to keep up with his growing body. In February, 2014, with creatinine levels between 2.0 and 3.0, Luke was placed on the kidney transplant list. If his levels got to be over 3.0 he would most likely need dialysis but there was hope that he could forego dialysis if he could get a transplant soon enough. Knowing that God is in control, Cora prayed that the timing would be perfect for Luke’s transplant but also that Luke would be able to finish first grade before going through an operation. Well God answered prayer!
Luke Celebrating With Friends for Valentine’s Day
On July 3rd, both Luke and Jordan went for their check-up. Luke was measuring at only 10% for his weight and 25% for his height and his creatinine levels were high at 3.2. While they were there, the Dr. received a call that there was an available kidney for one of her patients. After looking into it, the Dr. determined that it was indeed a good kidney and was able to talk to Cisco and Cora about it, in-person!
There is a video of when the Dr. talked to Luke about the kidney here. Luke’s only concern was that Jordan got a bunch of presents when he had a kidney transplant and admitted he was jealous of not having a Christmas transplant. Knowing that he is going to have fireworks to celebrate his new kidney seemed to satisfy him though.
Luke is getting the gift of a kidney transplant today, July 4th, though not in December, it is like Christmas in July! Praise the Lord for answered prayers and for what he is going to do in Luke’s life!
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. ~Isaiah 26:3
Please pray for Luke and the Ocampos!
COTA has approved the use of funds raised in honor of Jordan to also be allocated for Luke as well, but more funds will then need to be raised to assist with double the expenses. Both boys will be on anti-rejection medication for the rest of their lives. The cost of supplementary insurance, any uncovered medications, and other incurred expenses as well as future transplants years down the road are all things COTA will reimburse them for if the funds are there. If you would like to give a gift, please click the GIVE NOW button.