Destynee’s story, 15-year-old daughter.

In 2017, she was diagnosed with hydronephrosis (kidney reflux) in her left kidney.
In 2018, she had surgery to repair it.
In 2019, her care was transferred to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where she had tethered cord surgery and was doing amazing afterward.
Fast forward to 2024: At her physical, I requested an ultrasound (not really knowing what I was looking for). That’s when we found out her hydronephrosis had returned—this time in both kidneys.
On October 30, 2024, we had an appointment at PCH, did blood work, and on November 1, 2024, I got the call that she needed to be admitted. On November 3, 2024, she was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stage 4 and neurogenic bladder.

After five long days in the hospital, we were released with a new lifestyle—medications, lab work every two weeks, and new routines. But her numbers have been stable, and she is doing amazing.

What’s Next?

February 20, 2025: We met with her urology team to discuss bladder augmentation surgery, which she will need before she can get a kidney transplant. This surgery will require a long hospital stay and recovery at home. (we’re trying to see how soon or how far we can wait to schedule this surgery) TBT

February 26, 2025: We had our first kidney transplant consultation. It was an eye-opener—learning about the long surgery, ICU stay (2 days), and recovery (7-10 days in the hospital). We also discussed lifelong medications and the differences between living and deceased donors:
Living donor kidneys can last up to 20 years
Deceased donor kidneys last around 15 years
Right now, Destynee’s numbers are stable enough to avoid dialysis, but getting a transplant sooner will help prevent her from ever needing it. This is why we are hoping to find her a match to start the process.

This is my daughter’s new life, her future and what she will have to live with forever, I know that God is guiding her and us, and I believe that somewhere out there, her perfect match exists. Thank you all for your love and prayers. We appreciate you more than words can say. 🙏💚

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.