Just one day before his due date our little Kyden Schmidt came into this world giving us the best Christmas gift of all on 12/27/22. With a completely normal pregnancy we had no idea what we were about to face. 

Our first three weeks with Kyden were incredibly special. Loving and enjoying our new baby and getting a special amount of family time. It wasn’t until our 3-week check up with our pediatrician that they noticed he was more yellow and ordered special tests. That was a Friday. Within the week he had ultrasounds, blood draws (a lot), liver biopsy, a diagnosis of Biliary Atresia and finally a major surgery (his kasai procedure) at just 30 days old. 

For lack of better words… our world was turned upside down. Not only were we having our first child but now given this devastating news of what his future may look like. 

Despite all his little body had been through he continues to push through like a champ! Smiling and hitting his milestones!

Unfortunately, we hit more bumps in the road with two bouts of cholangitis and to the hospital on TPN because his liver is ultimately succumbing to the disease. May 5th Kyden started transplant evaluations and by May 10th he was officially considered a candidate for a liver transplant. With all the prayers and the grace of a live donor on May 30th our little Superman received his new liver.

This little dude is a fighter, he has experienced some set backs with being sedated and intubated a few times after his transplant. With his spunky attitude, a great medical team and soooo… much love, prayes and support Kyden was released from the hospital July 11th.

Kyden returned to the hospital August 21st for a choloangiogram and a liver biopsy, and the good news is he got his Biliary drain removed! That was a big milestone to this journey and a reassurance that things are looking good 🙂

With a full schedule of meds, lab tests and continued doctor check-ups Ky’s parents are doing the best they can financially. Dad is working and mom is working on weekends if possible to keep their heads above water.

We have decided to partner with the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) for assistance with transplant-related expenses. Please consider donating to COTA in honor of Kyden. COTA funds are available to him for his entire lifetime. COTA funds raised will not only support Kyden for his transplant, but also for any transplant related medical expenses in his future.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read about Ky’s story and keep him in your thoughts and prayers as this little man fights an incredible battle.

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.