Local 6-year-old in need of lifesaving kidney donor

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The search is on to find a life-saving kidney donor for a local 6-year-old.

6-year-old Waylon Skaggs and his mom, Danielle Bonnell, have been trying to find a new normal since his diagnosis. That has involved over 15 surgeries, countless two-hour drives each way to the hospital, and the need for a kidney donation. The wait for a donor has been grueling.

“He’s been really strong through everything,” said Bonnell. “He comes to Children’s Mercy 3 times a week for dialysis.”

Waylon can’t go to school until he becomes stable. This can’t happen until a stranger steps up to save his life.

“From what I’ve heard, you know, it’s a fairly easy procedure,” said Bonnell. We can all live on one kidney. That’s what he has now is one kidney.”

His mother has an important message for someone out there who could be a match.

“If anybody finds it in their heart to test for Waylon, I would be so grateful,” said Bonnell. “I just want him to be healthy and happy and get to be, you know, somewhat of a normal kid.”

Waylon’s donor must be 55 or younger, have type A or O blood and not have high blood pressure. If you’re interested in seeing if you’re a match, you can KU’s Kidney Transplant program. You can also email [email protected] or [email protected].

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