At age 1½, Ted Cochran needed surgery for bladder blockage, but Ted's kidneys had sustained permanent damage and he was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. He endured multiple major surgeries and spent many weeks in the hospital. When Ted was 19, he suddenly became extremely ill and went into septic shock, causing further damage to his kidneys that progressed into end-stage kidney disease and the need for a transplant. Ted's mother, Carla Cochran, was a match and donated her kidney to her son. "On August 29, 2006, I received the most loving, compassionate, and selfless gift from my mother, the 'Gift of Life' by way of a kidney transplant," he said. In gratitude, Ted created the My Angel Foundation to inspire Iowans to become registered donors. On New Year's Day, as Ted rides the float, his donor, Carla, will walk proudly alongside.

Ted's Story

At age 1½,, Ted Cochran came down with an unexplained high fever and abdominal pain. Doctors found that he had a blockage at the tip of his bladder that was causing urine to back up into his kidneys. They performed surgery, but Ted's kidneys had sustained permanent damage - he had chronic kidney disease. Also at that time, doctors found that he had a third pelvic kidney, which would end up being a blessing.

Throughout Ted's childhood, he endured multiple major surgeries and spent many weeks in the hospital, recovering at home. Through all of this, his parents made sure he had an enjoyable normal and active childhood.

When Ted was 19, he suddenly became extremely ill and went into septic shock. He was admitted into the intensive care unit and placed on a respirator. "My body was quickly shutting down and my outcome looked dim," remembered Ted. "But through prayers, my condition started to improve drastically and eventually I was released from the hospital." The septic shock caused further damage to his kidneys, progressing into end-stage kidney disease. Luckily, Ted's third pelvic kidney had sustained his need for a transplant for many years, but eventually, he did need one.

His mother, Carla Cochran, and her family began discussing living donor donation. Carla, her son, and daughter went in for testing to see if anyone was a match. It turns out that both Carla and Ted's brother were a match, but ultimately Carla decided that she would donate.

"On August 29, 2006, at the age of 28, I received the most loving, compassionate, and selfless gift from my mother, the 'Gift of Life' by way of a kidney transplant," said Ted. "My mother donated one of her kidneys to me so I could have a chance at a healthier and extended life. "My second chance at life has provided me the opportunity to continue to share memories with my friends and family, live life to the fullest and to experience the precious gift of being a father. Each and every day when I look at my two-year-old daughter and two-month-old son, I'm reminded how blessed I am."

With the passion of wanting to honor his mother's gift and help others, Ted founded My Angel Foundation in 2007. The nonprofit foundation's mission is to inspire Iowans to become registered donors and to raise awareness for donation through educational programs. Ted reported that My Angel Foundation has been instrumental in the increase of registered organ donors in Iowa from 90,000 in 2007 to nearly 1.8 million today.

"My loving mother's gift provides me the chance to help others and pass on the blessings that I have received throughout my life," he said. On January 1, Ted will ride the float as Carla walks alongside.