15-year-old, Liam Mitchell-Bathgate was diagnosed with Stage 5, Kidney Failure on the 13th Jan 2025.

There was next to no warning this was occurring, and this unexpected diagnosis has left Liam and his family scrambling to adjust.

Liam began his dialysis journey on Thursday, January 16th, only 3 days after receiving this life changing news. He has already undergone a surgical procedure to place a permanent catheter in his body, with his parents, Kerry and Shane, currently taking comprehensive training on how to perform peritoneal dialysis at home, as Liam has chosen this method of treatment.

Liam's health recovery is a top priority. He requires specialized care to address the complications of kidney failure in addition to other current health difficulties, ensuring his body is healthy and prepared for a future kidney transplant.

Kerry will be tested as a potential living donor, and if compatible, will donate one of her kidneys to Liam. If not, the "paired kidney" donation option will be explored, where incompatible donor-recipient pairs exchange kidneys to facilitate successful transplants.

Liam's dreams, including pursuing a pre-apprenticeship program and obtaining his learner's permit, are temporarily on hold while he focuses on his health. Kerry and Shane have rapidly adjusted their working arrangements in order to support Liam and be by his side. This will be an ongoing and long-term arrangement.

Kerry and Shane are seeking support to help Liam navigate this challenging period.

How Your Support Can Help:

* Creating a Healing Sanctuary: We aim to transform Liam's bedroom into a comfortable and inspiring space to aid his recovery.

* Covering Medical Expenses: Dialysis and related medical treatments involve significant costs, including the costs of travelling to and from the hospital initially.

* Supporting Liam's Emotional Well-being: This unexpected diagnosis has taken a toll on Liam's emotional and mental health.

About Kidney Failure:

Kidney failure is a serious condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products from the blood. This leads to a buildup of toxins in the body, which can be life-threatening. Dialysis is a medical procedure that replaces the kidneys' function, filtering the blood to remove waste and excess fluids.

Liam has chosen home peritoneal dialysis, which involves using a catheter to deliver a cleansing fluid into the abdomen.

Your generosity will make a significant difference in Liam's life as he faces this challenging journey.

Thank you for your compassion and support.