Meet Blake Shore, a sweet-spirited little boy whose smile lights up every room he enters. To know Blake is to love him. His joy is pure, his laughter contagious, and his love for life boundless. Whether he is zooming around in his go-kart with his Daddy or camping under the stars with his family, Blake radiates happiness and reminds everyone around him of what truly matters.
Blake is more than just a blessing; he is the heart of his family. His days are filled with love, laughter, and the simple joy of being surrounded by those who cherish him. But behind his glowing smile is a story of incredible strength.
Blake was born with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) which is a rare genetic condition that causes non-cancerous tumors to grow in the brain and other vital organs. Just one day after he came into this world, he faced open-heart surgery fight for his life before it had truly begun. TSC has caused Blake to experience daily seizures and has left him nonverbal, but it has never dimmed his spirit.
In February 2024, Blake’s journey took another turn when he was officially referred for consideration to recieve a kidney transplant. In addition to TSC, Blake has Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), another inherited condition he shares with his Daddy. PKD causes clusters of cysts to grow in the kidneys, slowly compromising their ability to function. As the disease progresses, Blake’s energy has waned, his needs have grown, and his ability to live the adventurous life he loves has been challenged. Blake is currently active on the kidney transplant waiting list while his family and friends continue efforts to find a possible living donor.
A kidney transplant would be life-changing for Blake. It would give him back the strength to ride beside his Daddy, to explore the outdoors with wonder, and to continue making priceless memories with our family and friends. This transplant is not just a medical procedure; it is a chance for Blake to reclaim his childhood. Blake still has so many dreams to chase. So many stories to live. So much love to give. And he deserves every chance to do just that.
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.
Please consider a donation to COTA on behalf of Prayers for Blake. No amount is too small and will benefit Blake and his family as they progress in their journey of kidney transplantation.