Read and learn more about Memphis, a local family to Joplin MO

Memphis’s Journey: A Young Warrior’s Fight for a New Kidney

August 28, 2025, started like any other day. A routine check-up for Memphis turned into the beginning of a nightmare no family could have prepared for.

His mom, Kasi, took him in because he had been complaining about sore knees, aching hands, and some chest pain. At first, nothing seemed too alarming—just growing pains, perhaps. But when the nurse checked his blood pressure, it read 148/103—dangerously high for a child.

The clinic quickly ran an EKG and noticed something concerning in his QTC interval. Blood work was ordered, with results expected the next day.

But the next morning, just five minutes after the clinic opened, Kasi’s phone rang. The message was urgent and terrifying:

“Get him to the ER. Now.”

At the hospital, more tests revealed the unimaginable—Memphis’s kidneys were in trouble. Serious trouble. So serious, in fact, that he was rushed that same day to Kansas City Children’s Hospital for an emergency blood transfusion.

A Fight for Answers

From August 29 to September 11, Memphis and his family rode a rollercoaster of fear, hope, and heartbreak. Test after test. Transfusions. Medications. Sleepless nights. Tears. Prayers.

And finally—some answers.

Doctors confirmed that Memphis has chronic kidney disease (CKD) END STAGE kidney failure. Both of his kidneys are failing. They suspect it’s genetic, and further testing is underway to pinpoint the cause.

The most shocking part? Memphis has had this since birth.

But because routine blood work isn’t typically done on young children, it went undetected. His body has been silently adapting, fighting, surviving—his whole life.

Looking back now, there were signs: the fatigue, the aches, the moments that were written off as normal childhood issues. But no one could have imagined it was something this serious.

A New Chapter Begins

On September 18, Memphis underwent surgery to have two dialysis ports placed—one in his chest and one in his stomach.

For now, he must travel to the hospital three times a week—a five-hour round trip each time—for dialysis. It’s exhausting for his body and overwhelming for his family. But it’s keeping him alive.

Eventually, once Memphis is stable, his mother Kasi and his aunt Jesi will complete two weeks of intensive dialysis training. After that, he’ll be able to do dialysis at home, and one of the ports will be removed.

This will give Memphis a chance to live a more normal life while waiting for the next step—a kidney transplant.

But that wait could be months… or even year.

Our Miracle Boy

Through all of this, Memphis has shown strength, bravery, and a spirit that refuses to quit.

He is a miracle, not just for surviving this long with undiagnosed kidney failure, but for smiling through the pain and inspiring everyone around him.

This journey is far from over. But Memphis is not alone. He has his family, his community, and now—hopefully—you.

You’re doing an amazing job telling his story. Let’s help make sure the world hears it.

Meet our Mwmphis,

Memphis is a warm, bright 14-year-old who always tries to do the right thing. He wears his heart on his sleeve, loves to joke around and play pranks, and treasures time with his sister. Basketball is his refuge — playing whenever he can, laughing with friends, and losing himself in the game. He also loves video games, music, and being close to his family.

In August, Memphis was baptized and his love for God is a steady comfort to him and his family. Recently he was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure. His single mother is working tirelessly to care for him and keep the household afloat, but the reality of frequent treatments and travel has left the family stretched thin. They urgently need help with medical expenses and medications, travel and lodging for appointments, and everyday costs like rent, utilities, and groceries.

How you can help

- Financial support for medical bills, medications, and daily living expenses (rent, utilities, groceries)

- Help with transportation or lodging near treatment centers, or meal support

- Gift cards for groceries or gas, or messages of encouragement to lift Memphis’s spirits

- If you’re unable to donate, please keep Memphis in your prayers

Memphis faces a hard road, but his kindness, faith, and love for his family shine through. Any support or prayer will mean the world to them.