Family of 11-year-old in need of kidney asks for help
JACKSON, Tenn. — A local family needs a kidney and prayer. And they’re now asking for help.
While it’s common for most kids to worry about school work and video games, one young boy is facing tougher battles.
Just at 11 years old, Levi Edmiston has undergone surgery to support his kidney failure.
He later had to be admitted into Vanderbilt’s Children’s Hospital due to his low kidney levels.
“She ordered an echocardiogram to see if his heart was strong enough for dialysis, and that’s when they found his heart function was down to 32 percent,” said Mandy Dorrest, the mother of Edmiston.
His mom shared that Edmiston was born with chronic kidney disease, and he would outgrow his kidneys.
However, this recent visit was harder on Edmiston.
“His body started filling up with fluid caused by his heart problem. So now his heart and kidney are fighting against each other instead of working together,” said Mandy Dorrest.
Edmiston hasn’t allowed this visit to get him down.
He and his family are continuing with faith that everything will work out.
Edmiston enjoys playing and watching baseball and he also likes Pokémon.
Friday afternoon, Edmiston received some special news from the Nashville Predators.
“They chose me to be champ of the game,” Edmiston said.
“He was nominated by three of the hospital workers and the radio station down the stairs, Seacrest Studios, to be the champ of the game on February the 15th,” said Mandy Dorrest.
Currently, his parents are having to pay out-of-pocket for his doctor’s visits due to his insurance not covering the costs.
“So we’re in the process of trying to get that back. And they said it can take up to 45 days. So as of right now, everything is out of pocket,” said Mandy Dorrest.
This situation has left his siblings worried for him. And his classmates also took the time to send him cards.
“It’s my friend, his name is Cruise. Be strong, be cool Levi. Get well soon Levi. Stay strong Levi. Keep being strong,” Edmiston said.
Currently, they’re waiting for his heart to get back to being strong again until they can receive a kidney.
They need a type A kidney.
His parents are asking that if you can donate, go to their GoFundMe to help pay for the doctor visits and overnight stays. You can find it here.
Find more local news here.
