Local teen faces new challenge in search for kidney

The donations and community support have grown, but for 17 year old Becky Reinas the road ahead remains rough.

“it’s still very difficult,” Becky told 47 ABC.

For years Becky has been battling a chronic kidney condition. Since we first brought you her story in November she got the news she and her family were waiting for, a matching kidney donor. But the joy was short-lived.

After several tests doctors determined that another organ would prevent a transplant.

“we had echo and stress tests done and they showed that her heart wouldn’t carry her through that,” Becky’s mom, Mindy Alderfer, told us.

Alderfer tells us that Becky is now receiving dialysis treatments in hopes that it will improve the health of her kidneys and heart to the point that she could get the transplant.

However they would need to find another donor. If that doesn’t work a procedure uncommon for people her age could be on the table. A double transplant, kidney and heart.

“that’s what we’re hoping does not happen. That would be the very next step,”
said Alderfer, “not too many places do that for kids her age.”

As for Becky, she’s holding her head high looking forward to the day this will all be behind her.

“I feel that after months of dialysis that I will be able to receive a kidney and I should be able to live a normal life…eventually,”

Alderfer tells us that if Becky is able to proceed with a kidney transplant, monetary donations would be a big help to not only pay for the procedure but also for the donor.

She says the family would like to provide compensation for a potential donor because of the amount of time that individual would have to take off from work.

If you would like to help Becky with a donation, this Sunday from 2PM to 4PM at the Crabcake Factory Bayside in Selbyville, Delaware, the restaurant will be holding a Super Bowl fundraiser for her, featuring a silent auction and other activities.

You can also donate to Becky’s cause on her GoFundMe page.