Parker Stevens' Transplant

Many of you have been following Melanie’s posts about Parker on Facebook and have asked what you can do to help. Melanie is not the kind of person to ask for help. In fact, I've never heard her ask for help, even as Parker's condition has deteriorated and the cost of his current and future medical care has ballooned. Parker will require three transplants over his lifetime, including one in the near future. Melanie’s other son, in an incredible act of selflessness, is donating one of his kidneys to his brother. This gift of life along with Parker’s current and future medical expenses will only partially be covered by insurance. I am writing this so that friends and supporters of Parker and his family can help them through this difficult time. 

These past twelve months have been a challenge in terms of strength and resilience. In May of last year, Parker was diagnosed with an extremely rare blood vessel disease that attacked his kidneys. It was only after many trips to the Hospital, the Doctor’s office and a subsequent kidney biopsy that they discovered Parker had Wegener’s Disease. Wegeners is one of a group of rare blood vessel disorders called vasculitis which results in loss of blood flow to some of your organs. In Parker’s case, it resulted in a complete shut down of his kidneys. After multiple rounds of chemo, hemo dialysis 4 days a week and plasmapheresis, Parker’s kidneys could not be saved

Having a sick child is heart wrenching. The daily uncertainty and fear is devastating emotionally and overshadows the financial realities behind the cost of recurring medical care. Despite all of this, I can honestly say that I have never heard Melanie complain. I’ve known her a long time, and she is one of the most selfless people I have ever met. She always approaches life with a smile on her face. Whether volunteering at Parker’s school or raising funds for the Museum of Art, Melanie is always the first person to say, “how can I help?”
 
Parker and the entire family have a long road ahead of them, and I felt this is an opportunity to do for Melanie what she would do for others. Please help Parker and his Family through the next step in their challenging journey.