Support Ryan's Life-Saving Kidney Transplant

Ryan was born with a blockage (posterior urethral valve) that lead him to having emergency and life-saving surgery at only a few weeks old. At 6 years old, he required a second surgery as well as long-term antibiotic treatment used as a preventative for potential UTIs. These surgeries, while necessary, caused scar tissue to build up in both of his kidneys; deteriorating their functions gradually.

Not long after we got married in 2014, we were notified by Ryan’s nephrologist that his labs showed his creatinine levels were abnormally elevated. We were informed that due to the scar tissue in his kidneys, he would require a future kidney transplant, and Ryan began having regular lab work done every 3 months to monitor kidney function.

As his kidney function continued to decline, we were connected with the transplant team at KU Hospital (University of Kansas Health System) in Kansas City. We had a few meetings with them where we discussed surgery, recovery, financial impacts, and the likelihood of a second transplant later in life. Ryan was put on a transplant list for a deceased donor (required for all transplant candidates), but his brother Jonathan has selflessly chosen to be a live donor.

Ryan’s labs had stayed fairly stable for several years, but at the beginning of this year they had severely declined and were declining at a more rapid rate than previous years. We were told that a transplant was likely for this calendar year (2025).

We have switched to monitoring his kidney levels every 4-5 weeks now. At this time, his GFR has dropped to 13 and he’ll have another lab in a week or so where we suspect it to be at a 12 or lower.

It is very obvious his kidneys are nearing their end, and with that knowledge his surgery/transplant date is officially scheduled for August 26th with a pre-op appointment for Jonathan and Ryan on July 29th.

Ultimately, we ask for your prayers for the whole family: Ryan, Jonathan, Jeanne, Lane, Katharine, Rachel, Andrew, Elliot, Natalie, Nolan, Rory, Trevor, and myself. Our God is so powerful, He loves us and cares for us, and prayers are the best and most helpful thing you can provide for us!

The next thing that I know would be so helpful is meals (a formal meal train will be made closer to the surgery, possibly multiple for different families). Not only will meals be great for Ryan and myself and Jonathan’s family as well, but anyone in our family could really benefit from that as well. My parents and Ryan’s parents will be taking care of our kids, and Ryan’s parents will also be helping with Jonathan’s children as well. More than likely the best Aunt and Uncle Rachel and Andrew will also be taking care of the kids at times too. Providing meals for anyone caring for our children will help all of us.

There’s a few random areas of help such as pet care, garden care, help with errands, etc. that I’ll make known as they pop up, but just some other areas that those who want to help can help with.

Lastly is the financial. I have this Go Fund Me setup for those that wish to help in this area, but please know that it is not necessary and we trust that God is going to take care of us financially as He has already. The amount reflects the initial cost of surgery, lodging, food, gas, and unexpected expenses during the time of surgery up to 12 weeks of recovery. We will still have to travel a lot during his recovery for routine appointments. The medications Ryan will need to be on for the rest of his life are very expensive, so any extra funds we receive will go towards covering those costs.

We want to thank you all for your prayers, encouragement, care, and future help you wish to provide. We pray you will be blessed for your compassion, service, and love.