Shafer Bray Daves, son of Kevin & Jada Daves, was born October 15, 2009 with an extremely rare medical condition of which there have been only 200 diagnosed cases in the world. The syndrome is caused by a genetic mutation that includes chronic kidney disease leading to failure by age 3, kidney cancer (known as Wilms’ Tumor) in many cases, and other difficulties. Shafer’s kidney function declined rapidly due to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in October 2010 resulting in a double nephrectomy (full kidney removal surgery). To bridge to transplant, Shafer was on peritoneal dialysis eleven hours a day to sustain his life, and received his nutrition primarily through a feeding tube. Shafer’s medical team approved his mother to be the living donor for her son, as she was a 6 antigen perfect match. At 20-months old, Shafer was successfully transplanted on June 22, 2011 at the Rascal Flatts Surgery Center at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville, TN.

It has been a miraculous journey as many supporters have donated financially to COTA so they can assist with Shafer’s transplant-related expenses. The initial $75,000 goal was met and COTA funds have helped throughout the last 10 years for his numerous appointments with his medical team, hospitalizations, lodging & food while in Nashville, gas/mileage, ongoing monthly medications, etc. Even with great insurance, the costs are alarming to families who experience a lifesaving transplant.

Shafer is now facing a second transplant as his kidney function has slowly declined. The COTA fundraising goal has been raised an additional $75,000 as preparations are being made for the next 10 years. Click here to read more about the upcoming fundraiser!