Hoping Matthew's Wish Comes True
Six-year-old boy’s greatest wish is for a new kidney this Christmas
BACKGROUND: Opening gifts on Christmas morning is the highlight of the year for most kids. For 6-year-old Matthew Parker, unwrapping new toys like Ninja Turtles — his favorite — is a lot fun. But this year, he’s really hoping for a gift that will change his life: a new kidney!
Matthew, born a triplet in 2008, has been on the waiting list for a new kidney since June 2013, after his body started rejecting the first kidney he received at age 2. He was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease soon after birth. His family remains hopeful for a miracle this Christmas.
Matthew’s mom, Lisa Parker, said Christmas is a big thing for Matthew and his brothers, Mark and Sam. “Matthew already wrote Santa a really nice letter. He spent quite a bit of time writing everything out himself. Matthew knows the toys will come from Santa Claus, and that a new kidney will come from someone special.”
In the meantime, Matthew will continue to receive dialysis every week at University Hospital until his family receives the call that a donor kidney has been matched for him.
For those interested in signing up to become an altruistic living kidney donor for Matthew, please visit online at MattsWish.com or Donate Life America. To share a message of support and encouragement for Matthew and his family, visit at HealthFocusSA.net.
WHAT: Six-year-old Matthew Parker and his family share the need and importance of altruistic living organ donation.
WHO:
- Matthew Parker, his parents and siblings
- Dr. Mazen Arar, medical director at University Transplant Center for pediatrics AND the University Transplant Center medical team
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014 at 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: University Hospital, 4502 Medical Drive
(Limited media parking available at main entrance of hospital – Please check in at main lobby entrance, information desk)
