Travis Baker is 19 years old and has been told his entire life that a kidney transplant might be needed "someday". It has quite frankly taken his family by surprise. His father John has been tested and after months of testing, found out that he is not able to donate. Now the clock is ticking, and we need to get a healthy kidney into Travis soon. Doctors think that his kidneys will last through the
end of the year, and ideally the family is hopeful that we can find a donor before he needs to go on dialysis. This gives Travis the best chance to have a healthy body for the surgery and recovery. Kidney disease and transplantation is no stranger to our family, as mom Theresa received a kidney from her brother in 2000. Theresa has been so lucky to live a normal and healthy life, and her brother's only regret is that he doesn't have another kidney to give his nephew. Travis is currently a coach for Clackamas High School's Freshman Football squad, and is excited to begin college once he gets through the crucial months surrounding his transplant. He is a normal young man who is putting his life on hold in many ways while he waits for the gift of life and good health. His older brother is also currently being tested, but Doctors have advised us to find others who might be interested as well. Travis's blood type is O--Ironically, the universal donor. This means he can only receive from another person who is also an O. There is a small percentage of people with blood type A that can also be compatible with Travis. If you are interested in being a living kidney donor for Travis, please contact Theresa or John for more information. All that is needed initially is a simple blood test to determine blood type compatibility. Travis's insurance will cover any normal costs associated with the testing and donation. Our family is once again facing the reality of kidney disease and transplantation. We are eternally grateful for any and all support and potential donors. We will do our best to use this page as a way to keep our family and friends updated on Travis's journey to transplant as well as look for potential kidney donors. Please share this page. Our hope is to spread the word to our network of friends and family.
