Jackson Popham

Our sweet, loving boy, Jackson, was born on October 3, 2013. From the very beginning, he faced challenges—born with unilateral renal agenesis and dysplastic kidney disease. At just two days old, doctors placed a peritoneal catheter, believing his kidney function was declining so rapidly that dialysis would be needed immediately.

But through countless prayers and the grace of God, his little body began to fight back. His kidney function improved enough that dialysis was never needed, and 26 days later, his catheter was removed. For the past 12 years, Jackson and his one small, fragile kidney have worked together in a way that can only be described as miraculous. That tiny organ has fought tirelessly for him—far beyond what anyone, even his doctors, ever expected. But now, after years of holding on, it simply can’t go any further.

Jackson has reached the point where he needs a transplant.

And yet, if you know him, you know his story isn’t defined by illness—it’s defined by courage. He is brave in a way most people never have to be. He meets every obstacle with perseverance and grace, carrying a strength that is far beyond his years. At 12, he understands the seriousness of his condition and what could happen if a donor isn’t found. And still, he smiles through the fear. He holds his head high. He refuses to give up.

I admire him more than words can ever express. There is so much of who he is that I wish I could be more like. He is, without a doubt, my hero.

We began our transplant journey with Cincinnati Children’s on August 14, 2025, and we are currently in the process with our seventh potential donor. Each time we receive the heartbreaking call that a donor is no longer eligible, it feels like the ground is pulled out from beneath us. And having to share that news with Jackson is a pain I can’t fully put into words.

But through it all, we are choosing faith.

We are standing firm, refusing to let it waver. We trust in God’s perfect plan and His perfect timing. We believe, with everything in us, that He is in control of this story—and that, in His time, He will open the door for Jackson’s transplant. We are holding onto the promise that the right donor will come at exactly the right moment.

We will continue to search, to pray, and to hold onto hope—that a donor will be found and that Jackson will be given the chance to grow up and live the life that he dreams of.