Colin was a fighter before he was even born. Due to complications, Colin’s mother was induced at 36 weeks. His lungs were undeveloped, his kidneys were not working, and Colin’s parents, Sean and Jennifer, knew it would be touch-and-go. However, at two days old, Colin’s kidneys woke up.

The doctors diagnosed Colin with Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease, or ARPKD. This disease causes polyps to build up and organs to fail. His first years were busy with travel and treatments, but Colin’s doctors worked hard to keep his condition stable through monitoring and medication. 

His family learned the routine and worked to make trips to the specialists seem like family vacations. Colin was thriving and happy, however, his health was rapidly failing. At fifteen years old, the fear Sean and Jennifer felt during the beginning of Colin’s life returned.

The doctors discovered side effects of liver disease and broke the news that Colin would need a kidney transplant now and a liver transplant in the future. It was news the family knew was coming, but it didn’t make it any less scary or heartbreaking.

The Gholson’s come from an amazing community who adores them. They are hoping to find Colin’s lifesaving donor soon and ask people to continue the testing process until a match is found. However, Colin needs other support, too. Even after he receives the transplant, Colin will have to continue monitoring and medication for the rest of his life. We want the Gholson family to enjoy Colin’s health, not be weighed down by the financial burden. That is why we are asking you to donate to COTA on behalf of Colin to help reach our goal of $75,000. Colin is a fighter, but he can’t do this alone. Join us in helping this terrific young man.