After three years of stability and waiting, Samuel’s kidneys are failing.  He is currently at 18% kidney function and is scheduled for transplant September 11th at UCSF.

We are extremely grateful to the Lord for giving us these three years of stability and to the doctors for their wisdom and guidance in Sam’s health.  So much has happened in these three years…. the sale of our home in Nevada City, CA and move to Donnelly, ID, the caring of and the death of two dear parents, building and moving into our home and establishing ourselves in a great community here in Idaho.  Our family has truly been blessed and has gone through a trying season, but we have grown in faith and maturity and closeness as a family.  We are grateful.

But as the Bible states in Esslesiastes, “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.”  We are now entering a new season for our family.  Although we knew this time would come, we greet it with bittersweetness.  We mourn the decline of Samuel’s health but rejoice in His provision in medical advances that make transplant possible and prolong the life of our son.  Samuel is the bravest person I know.  He is anxious about the upcoming transplant but knows that this will improve his quality of life.  We also adjust to anti-rejection medication, suppressed immunity and change in diet restrictions – Samuel will be able to eat french fries again (as long as he watches the salt)!

Samuel’s father, Skip, has the opportunity to donate one of his kidneys for Sam’s sake.  Skip has undergone extensive testing to ensure he is a close match for his son.  He will undergo surgery on the same day with Sam and will also face recovery time. 

We also face the unknown financially as our insurance has recently changed.  We are working with them to understand better what our portion will be and what will be paid for going forward.  

We will be away from our family in Idaho for 6-8 weeks as Samuel is monitored closely after transplant.  Please pray for strength and safety for our family.  Once again, thank you for partnering with us.