Hello, my name is Taliah Mason, and I want to share my son, Donovan Mason's kidney transplant journey with you. October of 2020, 5 months after graduating high school, Donovan was rushed to the hospital after suffering from severe stomach pains and vomiting. Shockingly he was diagnosed with renal failure; both kidneys were functioning at 6 percent, for reasons still unknown to him, his family and medical professionals. It pains me to say, we did not have medical insurance for our son at this time. Donovan's first hospital admission lasted 10 days with limited visitation from his parents due to him being 18 and due to the new COVID rules. The hospital was able to release Donovan with a "Charity Chair" to start receiving dialysis. And shortly after that, we were able to get him an ObamaCare health insurance policy without concerns of preexisting conditions. After going home, Donovan started receiving HEMO dialysis 3 times per week, 4 hours each time. A few months later, it was decided he would change to at-home dialysis, where he would administer his own treatment, which seemingly was going well until one night in February 2021, at the start of the Texas winter storm, Donovan again was rushed to the hospital because his body would no longer comply. After being admitted, he stayed 3 nights for 2 additional surgeries with limited visitation from his parents due to COVID. Fast forward to now, Donovan's medical team has worked hard to establish a stable dialysis routine. It has been a journey that he has somehow managed to have the same fun loving & mild mannered personality that everyone around him adores. In July 2021 we received a phone call from the transplant center to start his Kidney Transplant Evaluation, which was scheduled for about 30 days out, but the day before his appointment they called us to say his insurance would not cover the cost. Thankfully, September 1st was my husband's health insurance enrollment period, and we signed Donovan up with the best insurance his employer could offer. Unfortunately, Donovan would have to wait for the transplant center to call him again, they explained he had to go back to the beginning of the rotation. After a few health insurance setbacks, waiting periods and financial hurdles on his second attempt, Donovan was finally able to enter into the kidney transplant evaluation process in December of 2021. As you can imagine, this is a vigorous process that required several trips to the Houston medical center, where he spent hours going from one lab room to the next, one doctor's office to the next and one building to another. Also, having to visit financial advisors and social workers. All having to agree that he is a good candidate for a kidney transplant. This was all while going back to his HEMO dialysis 3 times per week. Thankfully, Donovan remained hopeful, eager and excited about the opportunity to receive a new kidney and change his life for the better.

I know it may seem acquired to read about someone so young having to take the lead regarding major medical circumstances, but he is considered an adult, and at the age of 18 these decisions must come from him. All medical staff must explain and get his permission. I hope this is a learning opportunity for everyone reading today. It is important that our children are empowered to advocate for themselves because the time will soon come when it is required. At his first evaluation appointment, Donovan learned about the living donor transplant program, which will decrease his wait time for a new kidney by years! Also understanding, a living donor will present him with a longer-lasting and healthier functioning kidney. My son and I decided to enter the kidney transplant/donor program together without hesitation. We also learned we have the same rare blood type, ab+. Super excited to hear this, I coined the saying "aye be positive," despite what we are going through, "hey, let's be positive!". During this journey, my husband and I have made a number of adjustments to lighten the load. We have sold our home, returned our family vehicle and simplified our lives drastically so we can be focused, flexible and available for the task at hand. So here we are, admittedly very reluctant about sharing his story publicly, concerned about being harshly judged, feeling ashamed about not being adequately insured, despite never imagining a child who seemingly was very healthy could ever receive a diagnosis such as this, we are here because we genuinely could use help repairing the financial damages that are currently attached to our son's name. Although Donovan has made great strides, the journey is far from over. The recovery process for both Donovan and I will be extensive and require 24 hour at home care for the both of us, for two weeks following our hospital release after the donor/transplant surgery. Donovan will need continued medical attention for years after as his new kidney adapts to his body. We are asking for your support. This summer, along side my family, we will be hosting several fundraiser events, such as a basketball tournament, softball tournament, bar b que cook off, the sell of merchandise and this GoFundMe account. Thank you for reading.