COTA for Keller's Kidney Crew

Our Story

Keller’s Kidney journey started when Caylee was just 18 weeks pregnant. Keller’s anatomy scan showed no amniotic fluid, and large cystic kidneys. We were originally given no hope, but were eventually led to the RAFT trial in Houston where Caylee received 18 life-saving amnioinfusions for Keller. 

Keller was born at only 32 weeks, on March 21st, 2023. He weighed 4lbs and 8oz and was breathing on his own!!! A true miracle from the start. Keller started dialysis at less than 24 hours old, and stayed in the NICU for 137 days. Keller came home on peritoneal dialysis (PD), and continues to do PD every single night. 

Keller has been in and out of the hospital his entire life, both kidney-related and not. He has had severe infections, hernia surgeries, seizures, liver injuries, diminished pancreatic function, RSV, pneumonia, GI infections, and the list goes on and on.

Keller had both his native (non-functioning) kidneys removed at 2 months old. To survive, Keller needs a kidney transplant. Over two years of dialysis is extremely hard on his tiny little body. 

Keller has defied every odd placed on him and continues to fight every single day. His journey will not end with this first transplant, and that is why we have decided to work with COTA. 

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 goes towards a lifetime of 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.