My son, Conner, was born with Posterior Urethral Valves, which meant there was a blockage in his urethra that wouldn’t allow his urine to pass. Because of this, his kidneys were enlarged. We were hopeful that as my pregnancy went on the issue would resolve itself, but after many ultrasounds, we learned this wasn’t the case. Conner would need surgery to remove the valves.
 
The surgery was successful, and doctors were hopeful that Conner’s reflux would improve over time. However, when Conner was an infant and a pre-schooler, he was very prone to UTI’s and needed strong medication to help deal with the infection. As Conner got older and his body figured things out, he didn’t get as many infections as before. But the damage to his kidneys had already been done - Conner would need a new kidney.
 
In 2021, Conner’s kidney function dropped below 15% and we knew it was time to start looking at a transplant. My husband and I put our names forward as potential donors and, thankfully, I was able to donate my kidney to Conner in April 2022. After the transplant, we lived in a bubble for 3 months. We didn’t see anyone or go anywhere. Kidney Camp was Conner’s welcome back to the real world.
 
The benefit of Kidney Camp is just so huge for these kids. I would not have felt comfortable sending Conner to a sleep away camp after surgery. Even though Conner is super responsible with his medication, sometimes kids forget. But I knew he was in an environment where everything was controlled, with doctors and nurses there to make sure he was well taken care of. It gave me peace of mind, but more importantly, it built his confidence.
 
When he came home it just felt like the old Conner was back. He looked so happy. He loved being with other kids who had been through similar experiences as him, but most importantly he loved just being a kid getting to go on the high ropes course, earning his polar bear plunge badge and swimming all the way to the island. After surgery he wasn’t as physically active as before, and camp gave him the confidence and the proof that he can still do the things he loves.
 
I’m forever grateful for the support of The Kidney Foundation of Canada - Manitoba Branch, who pays to send kids like Conner to Kidney Camp.