“What we thought might be a problem with anemia suddenly became so much more,” remembers Russell’s mother, Deborah. “Russell was admitted to the hospital for extensive testing. I’ll never forget the morning the doctor told me my son had chronic kidney failure and would need a transplant to survive.” Russell was suffering from bilateral renal dysplasia, a disorder in which his kidneys did not form properly. His kidney was functioning at only five-percent capacity. “There is no way to describe the feeling of helplessness that you have,” Deborah says. “Immediately, we were in a new world revolving around kidney function, dialysis, organ donation and transplantation. You question ‘why?’ then move into the next phase of ‘we’ll do whatever it takes.’” At 2 years old, Russell underwent his first kidney transplant – and battled the complications that followed, including chronic graft dysfunction and chronic rejection. “His body’s immune system was attempting to ‘reject’ the kidney,” explains Glenn Bock, MD, director of pediatric nephrology at Geisinger’s Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. “It’s a natural process, but it has always been a major obstacle to successful organ transplantation.” Russell’s course was complicated further by urinary tract infection, respiratory infection and respiratory failure, and a reaction to an antirejection drug – all more uncommon complications. He spent nearly three months in the hospital and was in and out of the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) three times. Russell proved to be a survivor, however. He was released, and his transplanted kidney functioned well for roughly 11 years. Then, just after Christmas 2003, after a severe illness, the kidney started failing. “His kidney just couldn’t keep up during that illness because it already had the chronic rejection,” explains Barb Leauber, certified physician’s assistant in the pediatric nephrology department at Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. “His kidney wasn’t able to keep up with filtering all the fluids and waste products of the body.” He returned to Geisinger and began dialysis. “I literally watched the life pumped back into Russell in a matter of hours” Deborah says. “He was dying right before my eyes, and the dialysis truly saved his life.” He continued dialysis at home for a month, but soon the kidney began to function again. The dialysis was stopped, and Russell went on medication while waiting for a second transplant. “He had recovered from his illness,” Leauber says, “and his kidney function had improved enough that he didn’t need dialysis. We placed him on the waiting list for a second kidney transplant right about that time because we were hoping he could get a second kidney transplant before he would ever need dialysis again – and that’s what happened.” Six months later, Russell – then 14 years old – was undergoing a second kidney transplant. “At his age, he was aware of what was involved and not very excited about having to deal with more health problems,” Deborah remembers. “Actually, when we got the call for his kidney, he was feeling pretty good and didn’t understand – why now?” But the transplant – from a perfectly matched donor – proved to be beneficial. With no complications, Russell has grown more than 5 inches, and he is expected to have at least another 15 years of good kidney function before needing dialysis or another transplant. Deborah remains grateful for the “amazing” care her son has received and continues to receive from Geisinger. “There is no way I ever want him to be treated anywhere except Geisinger,” Deborah says. She recalls that, during Russell’s stay as a toddler, he enjoyed moving around the hospital in the standard little red wagons. Throughout the years, they were able to see Geisinger’s Janet Weis Children’s Hospital being built and stayed there during his second transplant. “What a wonderful facility, where the family can stay right in the room with their child. The entire hospital is such a kid-friendly place.” Russell recently took advantage of another offering he discovered through Geisinger: Camp Kydnie, a specialized summer camp for kids who have kidney problems and one of several camps that is partially funded by Children’s Miracle Network donations. While he was somewhat hesitant about attending as a teenager, he quickly became a favorite among the other campers and the staff. Today, Russell is doing well and returns to Janet Weis Children’s Hospital every two to three months for follow-up care. “I can’t say that I’m glad Russell has the problems he has, but I can definitely say that I’m glad we were sent to Geisinger Medical Center,” Deborah says. “We have been spoiled with the best facility there is!” | 
