18-Month-Old in Omaha Needs Kidney Transplant After Lifelong Dialysis

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - An 18-month-old girl named Claire Stannard has been connected to a dialysis machine her whole life, but her family is hoping someone will come forward as a living donor to provide her with a chance for a regular childhood.

Claire was born without working kidneys and has required dialysis since she was just two weeks old.

Each night for the last 18 months, her parents have hooked her up to a dialysis machine for 11 hours, in a space that resembles a hospital room rather than a regular toddler's bedroom.

"We're connected to her room for roughly 11 hours each night, with some variation for setup, disconnecting in the morning, and allowing extra time in case any alarms trigger," said Betsy Stannard, Claire's mother.

Claire had her initial operation when she was only four days old. After that, she has had several more surgeries and spent four months in the NICU, needing daily dialysis during that time.

Although there are medical issues, Claire is growing and developing like a normal toddler.

"She's joyful, entertaining, and a bit wild. She wants to act like a one-and-a-half-year-old. She's playful," Stannard said.

A kidney transplant would significantly improve Claire's quality of life and provide her family with a sense of freedom they have never known.

"We could travel with her following a transplant. In the mornings, we'd be able to wake up and leave whenever needed. We would give her a better life," Stannard said.

The family is looking for a living donor aged 19 to 65 who is in generally good health. Individuals can lead normal lives with one kidney, and the donation could significantly change Claire's life.

"It would alter their life, and also impact their family's and friends' lives, making things more typical for their age," Stannard stated.

Individuals who wish to undergo testing as a donor for Claire are encouraged to visitNebraska Medicine’s website for more information.

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