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Father's Kidney Saves Teen Son's Life
4 Jun
Summary
- Teenager experienced kidney failure at 17 due to Alport Syndrome.
- Father donated a kidney to his son in a life-saving transplant.
- Son regained health and plans to play college lacrosse.
A North Texas teenager's life was dramatically altered at 17 when he was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. Doctors identified the cause as Alport Syndrome, a rare genetic disease. His father, Bill Martens, immediately offered to be a kidney donor.
The successful transplant was performed at UT Southwestern, with the medical team at Children's Health handling the procedure. Bill Martens described the experience as remarkable, knowing a part of him was now sustaining his son's life.
Recovering swiftly, the teenager was back to rebuilding his strength within two months. He was able to play his senior season as captain of his high school lacrosse team. He is now preparing to attend Southern Methodist University in August, continuing his lacrosse career and taking medication to prevent rejection of his father's kidney.
