media center
2015 WALKER

  CARLA COCHRAN

Kidney Donor
Age 58 ~ Moravia, IA
Registered Nurse

Sponsored by Iowa Donor Network



Carla Cochran discovered that her 18-month-old son Ted had been born with a blockage at the neck of his bladder; his kidneys were only half-functioning. After multiple surgeries, Ted was able to grow up and live a normal life until age 27, when he experienced end-stage renal failure. He needed a transplant, and Carla was a match. The successful surgeries took place on August 29, 2006. Ted was so inspired that he set up My Angel Foundation to help spread awareness of donation in their state. And every year on his transplant anniversary, he sends a bouquet of roses to his mother for giving him back his life.


Carla's Story

Carla Cochran's son Ted was a healthy 18-month-old boy until he started having severe stomach pains.

"My life changed that day when the doctor informed us Ted was born with a blockage at the neck of his bladder causing urine to back up into his kidneys," Carla recalled. Ted's kidneys had sustained so much damage that they were only half-functioning; he would need several surgeries to correct the damage. Carla never left his bedside.

As Ted grew older he lived a normal childhood and was active in school and sports. At age 27, however, he developed end-stage kidney failure. As an RN, Carla had annual education on organ and tissue donation. She knew that the chances of her son receiving a kidney from a deceased donor were slim. Carla and her family began discussing living donor donation. Carla, her son, and daughter went in for testing to see if anyone was a match.

"That was the longest and most stressful week while we waited for the results," she admitted. But Carla received wonderful news when the transplant nurse called to say that both she and Ted's older brother were matches. "I decided that moment I would be the donor and wanted to move forward with the process ASAP," she said.

On August 29, 2006, the transplant took place and immediately Carla's donor kidney started working. Both mother and son recovered well from their surgeries. Ted was so inspired by his experience that he started a non-profit, My Angel Foundation, to help spread organ, eye and tissue donation awareness in Iowa.

"I'm so proud of my son!" Carla exclaimed. "My Angel Foundation has impacted so many families and has helped to educate thousands of Iowans on the facts and importance of organ, eye and tissue donation awareness. Since the transplant Ted has hosted dozens of events to promote organ donation awareness, met his beautiful wife, started a successful business and has blessed me with a granddaughter and a grandson."

And every year, on their transplant anniversary, Carla receives a bouquet of beautiful roses from her grateful son.