Branden Amian Dever

Type of Donation:       kidney recipient

Age and Location:      Age 16 - San Jose, CA

Date of Transplant:           11/06/2020

Sponsor:                      Honored by Donor Network West with Stanford Children’s Health

BRANDEN’S STORY

Branden was born with an inherited genetic mutation discovered by his ophthalmologist. This mutation caused Branden to experience two serious eye conditions that could potentially leave him blind. In addition, he now also faced the possibility of having a progressive kidney condition related to the same mutation. It was recommended that Branden have his kidney function tested without delay.

Frightened and uncertain were a few of the emotions racing through Branden’s mind as he sat speechless after having received the devastating news. He had just recently turned fifteen and was now being diagnosed with Stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD). He remembered feeling nervous, not only anxious about his health, but also about the unforeseen challenges he would inevitably have to overcome in the future.

Following the discovery, Branden’s life immediately changed. He could no longer enjoy all of his favorite snacks or have a free schedule. Rather, he quickly learned to become extremely mindful of his diet. He began incorporating healthier foods into meals, wanting to preserve his health for as long as possible.

Within four months of learning he had CKD, Branden experienced a significant decline in kidney function that led to his undergoing dialysis treatment. For twelve hours each night, Branden was attached to a machine in order to clean his blood, filter out waste and toxins, and perform the tasks his kidneys were unable to provide.

Thankfully, Branden’s time on dialysis - along with all of his worries - were short-lived. Two months later, at 11 a.m. on November 6, 2020, Branden’s mother received “the call” from Stanford notifying her that they had located a kidney donor match. Overjoyed, Branden, along with his parents, made their way to Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and prepared for the upcoming surgery. The transplant was a success! Branden and his family are eternally grateful for the medical team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and all the staff for providing the best care and support. With a grateful heart and kidney, Branden and his family would like to give a special thank you to his donor and his family for blessing Branden with the most precious gift of all - a second chance at life.