Cruz’s Kidney Crusade

15/02/2026

Save a life…be a donor!

09/02/2026

January 29, 2026 marked 5 years for Cruz’s second transplant.

Did you know….

*Every 8-10 minutes someone is added to the transplant waiting list?

*Approximately 13-17 people die each day waiting on an organ?

*More than 100,000 men, women, and children are on the national transplant waiting list?

24/01/2026

Cruz was not quite two years old before he had is first renal biopsy.

A kidney biopsy uses a needle to take a small kidney sample and examine it for signs of chronic kidney disease.

At the time, his dr wanted to see the severity of the scarring.

19/01/2026

Cruz was originally diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome at 18mos old. The symptom that caught my attention and caused concern was the swelling of his eyes when he would wake up. It was almost like he had a bad allergy or something had bit his eyelids.

NEPHROTIC SYNDROME is a kidney disorder where damaged filters (glomeruli) cause the body to lose too much protein in the urine, leading to low blood protein, high cholesterol, and swelling (edema), especially in the legs, feet, and around the eyes, often accompanied by foamy urine, weight gain, and fatigue. It's caused by various conditions like diabetes, lupus, infections, or intrinsic kidney diseases, and treatment focuses on managing underlying causes, reducing swelling with diuretics, controlling blood pressure, and diet.

17/01/2026

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2026…that’s crazy to wrap the mind around. I hope everyone is healthy and happy!

Cruz is doing really well. He still sees his pediatric…yep, pediatric, nephrologist on a regular basis. After 10 years of working at Full Sail University he turned in his graduation cap for mouse ears and now works security at ‘the happiest place on earth’. It’s quite a change but he really likes it and the growth potential.

I want to keep this page alive so that IF the time comes I don’t have to start from scratch. So, for now, I’ll be posting about the diseases Cruz has and organ donation. Knowledge is power.

With love and gratitude! ✌🏼 🫶🏼

09/04/2025

08/12/2024

Good morning!! I have been so bad at keeping up on this page…my apologies.
The old adage, no news is good news certainly applies(knock on wood). Cruz is doing really well. Feeling really good and working hard.
Remember back when he had his last transplant and he was worried about losing his car? We’re happy to announce… said car is paid IN FULL!
Thanksgiving was very quaint this year but full of great food and quality family time. I can’t believe it’s almost 2025!!

We hope everyone is doing well. As always, thank you for your continued love and support.

Happy Holidays! May the new year bring great happiness. 💚

23/04/2024

Yep…I forgot to post it on this page…
This guy turned 30(🤯) on April 16th! This Momma heart is so proud of him!

05/04/2024

All is good!
Happy Spring! 💐

28/06/2023

We have reached 400 followers! Thank you for your continued support. We could not have done it without each of you. 🙏🤗🎉

Not much to update. Cruz is doing really well and all of his numbers have been stable. 🤞🏼

Hope you all have a safe and happy 4th of July 💥!

16/04/2023

Y’all know the struggle so you can understand the joy and amazement… Cruz is 29, today!