Time for a New Kidney: Anahi's Transplant Journey

***UPDATE 7/1/2020*** We have been notified that an anonymous donor has stepped forward and will be donating a kidney to Anahi!!!!! Surgery is scheduled for August 19, 2020!!!!!!!! Stay tuned!!!!! *** Before Anahi was born, doctors told us her kidneys were not working. She was prenatally diagnosed with Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney Disease. As a result of this diagnosis, doctors told us she likely would not survive the birth due to immature lung development. Boy were they wrong. Since her day of birth, Anahi has fought every single day of her life and continues to be a beacon of strength and resiliency to everyone who has had the privilege of entering her life.  Here is her story... When she was born on February 16, 2007, she wasn't breathing. Doctors worked tirelessly to hear her first cry. When we heard her cry, a sigh of relief was heard around the room. A weight was lifted off of our shoulders. But the difficult road ahead had just begun. She spent two and a half months in the NICU, where she endured multiple surgeries, spent 12 hours of each day on peritoneal dialysis, and was supported by breathing machines. We saw a new glimmer of hope each day, surprising even the medical team. She was finally discharged home from the hospital on April 25, 2007.  Soon after she was discharged, we moved from Fairbanks, Alaska to Phoenix, AZ where she would soon receive all of her care. Phoenix Children's Hospital became our new home. In her first year of life, Anahi endured numerous surgeries, treatments, appointments, consults, hospital admissions, dialysis treatments, medications, etc. How or why a child had to endure this much in her first year of life was perplexing. Eventually, she would need a kidney transplant. And Then... On Nov 4, 2008, at just one year and nine months old, she received her first kidney transplant. This gift of life came from dad, Adrian.  After spending a month in the hospital, Anahi was finally ready to go home.  The Road Ahead... Over the next several years, Anahi encountered several bouts of kidney rejection, hospitalizations, treatments, and surgeries for other health issues. Despite the rough course, she still managed to persevere and defeat every obstacle along the way. As she grew, she touched the lives of everyone she encountered. Her laughter was contagious. Her smile was heartwarming. She was genuinely fun to be around. Despite her health struggles, she still manages to keep a smile on her face and show love to everyone around her. Soon she became a big sister to four siblings and a puppy, Rocky. And Then... In 2018, we learned that her kidney function was declining. We had always known that Anahi would eventually need a new kidney, but when we were told that it was nearing time, it was still a shock to hear. As we moved ahead we remained diligent about her care and did everything within our power to lengthen the time she had left with her kidney. Eventually, it wasn't enough. In September 2019, she was placed back on hemodialysis. She was in the final stages of kidney failure. She needed a new kidney. It was her siblings' first time seeing all of this. For Anahi, this was all new. Regardless, she still kept a smile on her face. In January 2020, her transplanted kidney was removed in preparation for her new transplant. She was placed on the transplant waiting list, and we began working diligently to find a living donor. Her Next Battle: Kidney Transplant 2... We are currently in search of a living donor. We have had such an amazing outpouring of support from the community, friends, family, and even strangers. Our efforts to find a donor is keeping the transplant team busy sorting through potential donors that we have sent their way. Please keep sharing our posts and pictures, IT'S WORKING!!! We are hopeful that we will soon find a donor. If you are interested in seeing if you could be a kidney donor for Anahi, please contact: Lorrie Hartel, BSN, RN Living Donor Coordinator St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center Phoenix, AZ (602) [phone redacted] [email redacted] *Blood type A+/- or O+/- is required. Why a GoFundMe? We have had so many people reach out to us who unfortunately could not be donors but wanted to help in other ways. For example, an auto detailing company named Carvocity even went as far as offering our family a complete vehicle detail and offered to donate our family 10% of their business proceeds for the month of February.   We were very grateful for that! We thought that starting a GoFundMe fundraiser would give those who wanted to help in other ways, a way to do so. When Anahi does receive a kidney, we will be needing to take unpaid time off from work for approximately 1-2 months to care for Anahi both in and out of the hospital. Childcare costs will be expected to increase during this time of great need. And as you may know, living expenses do not stop and unforeseen medical expenses could arise. We are doing everything we can during this time to prepare. We THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for your support and prayers. We will continue to keep you updated throughout this journey.  With love, The Ruiz Family #kidney4anahi