Parents of local children face second kidney donation

Emma Russell is 14-years-old. She loves playing piano, painting and making crafts out of duct tape. She probably gets her artistic shops from her father who is self-employed as a furniture designer. Emma also has juvenile nephronophthisis, a genetic kidney disease in children.

Emma loves spending time with her family, something that has recently gotten more difficult.

“We used to go for like walks out at Rock Bridge Park every Sunday afternoon and we don’t do that anymore because Emma can’t do the walk,” says Emma’s mom, Nancy Russell.

Her father, Emmett says it’s only a matter of time before she will need a kidney transplant.

“We plan for me to be a donor and if I don’t prove to be a match, I’m gonna join the exchange program and donate to someone who can donate to Emma.” says Emmett Russell

The Russell family is no stranger to kidney transplants nor to juvenile nephronophthisis as their other son, Ethan, 12, was diagnosed and treated just four years ago. His mother, Nancy, was more than willing to offer her own kidney for her son.

“She [Nancy] immediately was the first one to raise her hand and said you know let’s test me,” says Emmett.

Four years after Ethan’s surgery, his parent’s saw a big improvement in Ethan’s overall wellness, something they are anxious to see happen for their other child.

“Now we see, the difference and that’s one of the things we’re excited about for her to get her transplant. It’s because she’ll feel 100 percent then and it’ll make a big difference for her,” says Emmett.

The family has set up a “GoFundMe” account in order to raise money for a new home as well as medical costs for the surgeries. To donate, click here.