From the time of his first kidney appointment, his nephrologists have been saying that puberty would likely be the time Clayton needs his transplant, because his kidneys would eventually not keep up with his growth. Just as predicted, after a year of major growth spurts, his kidney function dropped dramatically. His normal nephrologist referred him to the transplant clinic for evaluation.

We were all nervous and unsure what the evaluation process would look like. We spent a full day at the transplant clinic, and Clayton and our family was evaluated from every aspect, including social, emotional, psychological, and physical. We also learned a lot about what the transplant would entail and what life would look like afterwards. 

We were very happy when we heard that after the transplant team met and evaluated Clayton’s case that we were approved! It was also somewhat surreal to hear that he was placed on the UNOS kidney list as an inactive listing. For some reason that news made everything seem even more real.

Once Clayton was approved we started the process of testing a donor. Since Matt and Clayton had compatible blood types, Matt started the evaluation process. It was an extensive screening process, focused on Matt’s health to make sure donation wouldn’t jeapardize his own health.

I felt so thankful to Matt for so many of the lifestyle choices he has made, because without even realizing it, the decisions he has made about what to put into his body and how he has treated it have made it possible for him to potentially donate to Clayton. 

After several weeks passed, we were so happy to get the great news that Matt was approved and matched to be Clayton’s donor. What a blessing!