COTA for Team Clayton

Our Story

When Clayton was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease at 15 months old, it was hard to know what his future would hold. He faced many surgeries in the first 7 months of his diagnosis, and began seeing urology and nephrology specialists regularly. Even as a young child he quickly adjusted to having regular blood draws, doctor visits and the other testing that became his new normal. We learned when he was diagnosed that he would eventually need a kidney transplant once his kidneys no longer kept up with his body. Thankfully, Clayton enjoyed nearly 10 years of fairly “normal” life, enjoying school, sports and many hobbies.

Now, during his 13th year, his kidneys have begun to show signs of rapid decline and he is quickly heading towards needing a life-saving kidney transplant. He has been evaluated and approved for a transplant, and his father, Matt has been matched as a his live kidney donor. The time of the surgery is not set, but it will be in the coming months. 

A kidney transplant is not a cure for kidney disease, but is a treatment. After his transplant, Clayton will be on immunosuppressant medicine for the rest of his life. He will be carefully monitored and will have to follow many precautions to avoid infection and sickness. Our family has partnered with COTA to raise money in honor of Clayton to support him in the transplant related expenses he will face over his lifetime.

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.

For additional updates on #COTAforTeamClayton events, please follow us on Facebook (COTA for Team Clayton) and Instagram (@COTAforTeamClayton).