Knox’s Transplant

Knox was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Shimick immuno ossao dysplasia (SIOD). Since finding out Knox has already had open heart surgery (atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) a heart defect. He is in Renal failure and is currently on dialysis.

The team of doctor's at Stanford Medical in Palo Alto California specialize in the genetic disorder that Knox was diagnosed with. There they do a Stem Cell Transplant and follow up with a kidney transplant that will prevent Knox from rejecting the new kidney from his donor (mom) and needing to be on immunosuppressants the rest of his life. The way they do this is, they take donors stem cells and transplant them into knox and when his immune system mirrors his moms, they will transplant moms kidney and give it to Knox. Because his immune system will mirror moms, his body will not see it as foreign therefore, there will be know need for the medications life long. Insurance will pay for most of all Knox and moms medical needs but, getting out there and the accommodations to stay in California are what's needed. It will be 3-12 months give or take that will be required to stay there. One other person (grandma) will have to travel with them. Someone has to stay with Knox as mom heals. It is hard to put a number on how much this trip will cost. We will be able to stay at a Ronald McDonald house for most of the time if there are openings. Anything we do not use that comes from donations will donated to SIOD research.

A little about Knox, he is a 6 year old boy and an absolute joy to know. He loves dinosaurs, swimming, the beach, and can play for hours with just pipe cleaners. He's a happy kid and can light the room up with laughter. We are truly blessed to have him in our lives and we really want to keep him for a long time and make his stay on this earth as good and pain free as possible. That is why we are opting to travel to California for this transplant.

There are no words good enough to express how greatly thankful our family is to anyone willing to help our little guy get better.

Thank you again!

Dallas and Knox