Pediatric Kidney Transplant: A Family’s Journey

Learning a child needs a kidney transplant presents a challenge for any family. This series of videos explains the process of a pediatric kidney transplant from the perspective of a family that has experienced it. We hope these videos help you learn what to expect and, as much as possible, ease the stress and anxiety that can often accompany the process.

What began as a simple stomach bug, ended with a helicopter ride to Children’s Hospital Colorado. At 2 years old, Molly and Kurt’s daughter, Beckett, developed kidney failure. Beckett went from being a healthy, active, happy kid to being sick all the time. Through testing, Beckett was diagnosed with two autoimmune diseases, an extremely rare combination.

“When you’re told your child has kidney failure, it’s never going to be what you thought was going to happen for your child,” explains Margret Bock, MD, Director of the Kidney Transplant Program. “But I think we try to normalize it, by saying, ‘this is the way we will help you function now; you’re not doing this alone by any means.’”

An initial two-day evaluation gives the transplant team the information they need to form a comprehensive treatment plan. This video takes a firsthand look at what an initial appointment will look like and lets you know what questions you should ask during the evaluation process, whether your child is being evaluated at Children’s Colorado or at a different center.

Learn about our multidisciplinary team and how their expertise and experience has made us one of the largest and most successful pediatric kidney transplant programs in the country. Each member of the transplant team plays a vital role in a successful kidney transplant. In this video, our experts explain why each role is important and how the collective support of the family is essential when going through transplantation.

Many different conditions can lead to kidney transplantation. This means your child may be referred by a variety of departments, including our Department of Pediatric Urology, Kidney Center or a department from a different hospital altogether. Regardless of where your child comes from, our transplant team will collaborate with specialists from the referring department to understand every aspect of your child’s condition so we can provide the best care options.

Depending on your child’s condition, there are many different types and levels of treatment options, from kidney dialysis to transplantation. By understanding your child’s condition and getting to know your family, we can recommend the best treatment options.

Our providers explain why transplant volumes and outcomes matter. Volumes refer to the number of transplants we do every year and outcomes refer to the result of the transplant. Whether you are coming to our hospital or going to a different one, these are two important factors to ask about and consider.

Our kidney transplant experts emphasize how important it is to set up patients and families for success, from diagnosis to transplant, and into adulthood. Learn how our team develops a plan for follow-up care, regardless of whether you live across the street or across the country.

Our Kidney Transplant Program is backed by extensive research efforts. Learn how our robust research program translates to better outcomes. We invest what we learn through our research into our practice, resulting in better care and happier, healthier lives.