MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WTVF) — It's something you never want to go through: a child in pain and in need of a life-saving organ transplant.
Elijah Wilson, a father in Murfreesboro, says his 13-year-old son Leaven has been battling kidney failure for almost 3 years.
He's been documenting it all on social media to find him a donor.
In April, after two years of waiting, Leaven received a cadaver transplant, which is a healthy kidney from a donor who has died.
Unfortunately, the new kidney failed and sent Leaven into emergency surgery twice.
"Watching your son crash right in front of you, it's pretty tough," said Elijah, who's now on a mission to find another kidney.
"I need to find a living donor for him so he can be back home and back to a normal kid," he stated, unwavering. "That's 100% what it's all about. I'll lose everything in my life just to get him healthy again."
Leaven, who lives with his mom in Colorado, continues to be on dialysis and will be put back on the waiting list by Christmas.
He hopes a second chance transplant will allow him to go back to being a normal teenager.
In the meantime, his dad is asking if you, or anyone you know, can give his son a priceless gift just in time for the holidays.
If you want to get in touch, you can email Kidney4LW@gmail.com.
If you'd like to donate to help with the family's expenses, you can visit his fundraiser.
Curious about being a donor? Learn more.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at nikki.hauser@newschannel5.com.
Our viewers are the best! When Hannah McDonald highlighted the plight of Serenity Sumler, so many of you immediately stepped up. Serenity stopped to help a driver after spotting a wreck and was hit by another car, resulting in terrible injuries. Without the funds to pay for physical therapy, she was at a loss. Because of the kindness of others - she now can rehab and get back to school. Best of luck to her as she trains to become a chef!
- Carrie Sharp
