Brayden's battle: Local boy fighting kidney disease; community fundraiser this weekend

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Brayden Russell is just 9-years-old, but the David Elementary School student can't enjoy typical summer activities.

"He gets dehydrated very easily, so he can't play sports or be outside very much," said Nina Russell, Brayden's mother. "He's not currently on dialysis, but we're getting close enough that we're starting to have to talk about it."

Brayden has stage 4 chronic kidney disease, which results in a gradual loss of kidney function over time.

Nina said the first sign something was wrong was when Brayden was 9-months old and began spiking random fevers.

"There were no other symptoms, so the doctors always said to let the fever run its course," Nina said. "This went on until he was 4-years old, when the third pediatrician I took him to ran some tests, and said to take him to Texas Children's Hospital. We were there for a week, and that's when they found the chronic kidney disease."

The kidney disease weakens Brayden's immune system, which makes him more susceptible to viruses and therefore fevers.

"They told us he would need a transplant, but that he would be in his teenage years before we would have to think about it," Nina said. "He's 9 now, so it's a lot sooner than we thought it would be."

Brayden is currently on a transplant list.

Nina said kidney transplants typically last 10-20 years, which means Brayden may require two to three transplants over his lifetime.

While a cadaver kidney is a possibility, the best option is a live donor.

"He is already active on the deceased donor list," Nina said. "The outcome is not as good as a living donor. The kidneys don't typically last as long and there's a higher risk of rejection."

Nina said she's hopeful a donor has been will be found soon.

Meanwhile, she's thankful for community support.

The Learning Experience is hosting a fundraiser June 24 to assist with Brayden's medical expenses. The event will feature several vendor booths with boutique items for sale, a silent auction and refreshments.

Want to go?

What: Russell Family Fundraiser

When: 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday June 24

Where: The Learning Experience, 33043 Egypt Lane, Magnolia, 77354

More information: Vendor booths are available for $25

Want to help? www.gofundme.com/akidneyforbrayden