A Franklin County High School senior is seeking a donor for his second kidney transplant after complications from COVID-19.
By Samantha Sinclair
Staff Writer
CARNESVILLE – Seven years ago, the community came together to help Mason Kelley get a kidney transplant.
Today, he needs the community’s help again.
The kidney he received from his aunt always caused some issues – he had to be reopened five times during surgery as it kept failing – but, it served him well over the past seven years.
Before the surgery, he was always tired, and he would be sick every morning.
Now, he realizes those feelings weren’t normal, and he feels well, thanks in part to the variety of medication he takes each day.
In November, things turned for the worse.
He contracted COVID-19, and was hospitalized.
“But, by the grace of God, I pulled through,” Kelley said.
Unfortunately, the virus caused severe dehydration, and doctors determined it caused damage to his kidney.
Now, he’s looking for a kidney to replace the damaged one.
Any healthy adult may donate a kidney. As of right now, no family members are a match.
There are no plans for fundraisers to support the surgery, but Kelley and his mother are appreciative of all the people who helped raise funds last time he needed surgery.
“Those people were amazing,” his mom, Tammy said. “We have been so, so blessed.”
Kelley was born with stage 4 renal failure. Ever since he can remember, he was always being told he would need a transplant at some point.
He had his first transplant when he was 11 years old on Aug. 14, 2014.
He and his mom hope he can finish out his senior year at Franklin County High School and graduate, then get his second transplant over the summer or in the fall.
Even after getting a new, healthy kidney he will still have to take rejection medication, but he may be able to drop some of the other medications he takes daily.
Kelley enjoys his math and science classes, and he plans to continue his education at North Georgia Technical College to pursue a degree in a healthcare field.
“My whole life has revolved around healthcare,” Kelley said. “I just feel like it’s my calling.”
When not in school, he plays video games, enjoys fishing and rides a dirt bike.
He said his friends at school have been supportive, and always ask for updates when he’s out of school for doctor appointments.
They may not be old enough to help Kelley by donating a kidney, but they are doing what they can, he said.
“They are on the lookout for me,” Kelley said.
Those interested in donating a kidney should contact Emory Healthcare’s Living Donor Department at 855-366-7989 or emory.donorscreen.org, and mention Kelley’s name.
The community may follow “Mason’s Journey” on Facebook for updates.