Colorado Teen in Need of Kidney Transplant

In the summer of 2007, Boulder teen Kelsey Crider was diagnosed with Medullary Cystic Kidney Disease during a routine physical exam in preparation for college.

While Kelsey was fortunate enough that her father, Steve was a suitable donor, her complex immune system rejected the donated kidney. To add to the family's heartache and frustration, a second transplanted kidney was also rejected due to medical complications.

She now endures a four-hour-long dialysis treatment three days a week to cleanse her blood of the toxins that a healthy kidney would filter out.

In order to find her a suitable kidney, the Crider family is expanding their search beyond Colorado. Because of Kelsey's complex immune system, her need for a new kidney is more important than ever and with the waiting timeframe extending to several years, time is not on her side. Her family and doctors hope to find several potential donors, who are in good health, have blood type O and have the time and inclination to see the process through. There is no risk to the donor or cost involved at this phase of the screening.

For those who have it in their heart to be tested, there is a donor coordinator from University Hospital in Boulder, Colorado who will keep all information confidential.

Although the transplant was unsuccessful, Steve Crider's own health remains perfect and he is open to answering any of your questions at 303-530-2929 or by email.

You can learn more about Kelsey's story and challenges at this special website where you can also see if you are a potential donor.