- B
- J
Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,
From the moment we found out we were expecting Cade, our journey was anything but typical. During pregnancy, we learned that our sweet boy had end-stage kidney failure—a diagnosis that changed our world forever. We spent months preparing, attending countless medical appointments, and bracing for the unknown. But nothing could have truly prepared us for the fight Cade would face from the moment he took his first breath.
At just 3 weeks old, Cade started dialysis, and he has been fighting ever since. He spent six long months in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and continues to battle chronic lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, and heart problems alongside his kidney condition. He requires oxygen 24/7, adding another layer of complexity to his already fragile health.
Cade was also diagnosed with nemaline myopathy, a rare neuromuscular disorder that affects muscle strength. Right now, we don’t know exactly what this diagnosis will mean for his future, but we do know that Cade is a fighter, and we will continue to do everything we can to support him.
A Warrior with a Smile
Despite everything he has been through, Cade is so happy and always smiling. His joy is infectious, and his strength inspires everyone who meets him. Even in the hardest moments, he continues to shine, proving that his spirit is stronger than any obstacle in his way.
Ongoing Care & Specialist Appointments
Cade requires weekly therapies and specialist visits, including:
✔️ Feeding therapy
✔️ Physical therapy
✔️ Occupational therapy
✔️ Nephrology
✔️ Cardiology
✔️ Neuromuscular
✔️ Urology
✔️ Pulmonology
In addition to these appointments, Cade also undergoes weekly lab draws to monitor his kidney function and overall health.
A Life-Changing Milestone: Cade Can Now Receive a Kidney!
After nearly two years of fighting, we finally have hope—Cade has reached the height requirement for a kidney transplant! This is a huge milestone in his journey, but we now face our biggest challenge yet: finding a living adult kidney donor.
If you have it in your heart to donate a kidney and save Cade’s life, we would be forever grateful. We are searching for an adult living kidney donor with blood type O who is willing to give Cade the ultimate gift—life. If you or someone you know would consider being tested as a potential donor, please reach out or check the link below for more information.
Insurance & Financial Burden: We Need Your Help
One of the biggest obstacles we are facing is that our insurance is out of network for Cade’s transplant. This means that, on top of the overwhelming medical expenses we already face, we are responsible for a significant portion of the transplant costs out of pocket.
Between medical bills, travel, and ongoing care, we cannot do this alone. Every dollar donated will go directly toward giving Cade the second chance he so desperately needs.
How You Can Help:
✨ Donate: Every contribution, big or small, helps Cade receive the life-saving care he needs.
✨ Share: Spreading Cade’s story could help us find his perfect kidney donor.
✨ Consider Being a Kidney Donor: If you are blood type O and interested in testing, please check the link below.
✨ Buy a Shirt to Support Cade: We now have special Courageous Cade shirts available for purchase, with proceeds going toward Cade’s medical expenses.
✨ Pray: Your prayers and positive thoughts mean everything to us.
Your generosity will go directly toward:
✔️ Cade’s kidney transplant process, oxygen, and dialysis care
✔️ Travel for transplant and specialist appointments
✔️ Weekly lab draws and monitoring
✔️ Therapy sessions to help him grow and thrive
✔️ Specialized care related to his nemaline myopathy diagnosis
✔️ Anti-rejection medications and ongoing post-transplant care
✔️ Out-of-network transplant costs and medical expenses
✔️ Supporting daily needs as we navigate this journey
Cade has been a fighter since before he was born, and he continues to inspire us with his strength, resilience, and unbreakable spirit. He is Courageous Cade, and with your support, we can give him the fighting chance he deserves.
Please consider donating, sharing, buying a shirt, or helping us find Cade’s perfect kidney match. Thank you for being part of Cade’s Courage.
If you would rather Venmo, please message us as there have been scammers.
With love and gratitude,
The Hartley Family