Two years ago, many of you donated to help our family with Tristen's first transplant surgery. The surgery and recovery went well for both Tristen (my nephew) and Kristina (my sister).

Tristen unfortunately contracted BK virus within a year of the first transplant. BK virus is a virus that lives in the urinary system and only affects post kidney transplant patients. This ultimately caused too much damage in his kidney and led to the need for a second transplant.

Thankfully, Paul (father) is a match and the transplant is scheduled for March 27 in Jacksonville, Florida. They will need a rental for at least one month since the hospital is 4 hours away.

Background

In 2012, Tristen was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease called Idiopathic C3 Glomerulopathy (C3G; formerly Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis type 1 [MGPN I]). C3G is a chronic condition that causes the body’s immune system to become overactive and damage the glomeruli (units within the kidney that filter the blood), resulting in swelling, high cholesterol, hypertension, and progressive, irreversible renal damage. Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications to treat C3G – treatment is focused on controlling complications and preventing future renal damage.

Since the age of 11, Tristen has been through hundreds of specialty appointments, hospitalizations, biopsies, and blood tests. His condition has been successfully managed with corticosteroids, blood pressure medications, immunosuppressants, and dietary changes. Half of patients with C3G develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD) within 5 years of diagnosis.

All funds raised will help to offset medical expenses including copays, coinsurance, lodging, and time missed from work for the Belangia family.

We are hopeful the transplant surgery will be without complication and that Tristen will soon be able to return to college, his job, and his young adult life. Thank you for your support and prayers during our family’s difficult journey.