Waiting On A Miracle Is your blood type O positive? Are you between age ...

While many parents enjoy the ritual of bedtime stories with their little ones, Phillip and Rachel Hatcher have a routine with two and a half year old Bryson that no parent would envy. Every night, he undergoes home peritoneal dialysis.

As Rachel explains, “Bryson suffers from a rare syndrome called Joubert Syndrome that has caused him to be in kidney failure. He is legally blind and, due to both of these things together, is developmentally delayed.”

Bryson’s father, Phillip, is a Calhoun County native who has worked a state job for the past 12 years. Rachel, originally from Chipley, keeps a busy schedule as a registered nurse, serving at three area hospitals. Along with juggling their work schedules and a new baby they welcomed earlier this year, this couple is devoted to caring for young Bryson.

“He has frequent appointments at Shands and Jackson Hospital in Miami,” says Rachel. “He gets bloodwork done weekly.”

In addition, Bryson’s parents take him for regular therapy sessions to work on his speech and motor skills. In addition, an early intervention and vision teacher visit their home on a weekly basis to assist Bryson.

“Bryson has accomplished more than the doctors ever said he would,” Rachel remarks. “He is a happy, loving child and smiles all the time, even though he has traveled along a rough road. He is still mommy and daddy's baby.”

In order for Bryson to celebrate many more birthdays and live a long, full life, a kidney transplant is necessary. His mom says one good thing on his side is his blood type is the most common: O positive. But right now, no match has been found. Bryson is being placed on a waiting list as his family prays a donor is located.

But they aren’t just waiting for a hospital call. The Hatchers are reaching out, asking anyone willing to consider being tested as a possible match. Donors must be between the ages of 18-30, have O positive blood type, be in good health, meet weight requirements and be a non-smoker.

“Living donors are better for transplant recipients,” Rachel points out. “The kidney lasts longer. The positive side to the waiting list is that children come before adults. Not only do we need a kidney, we need a miracle.”

If you could possibly provide this miracle, please call Rachel at 850-447-1368.