Sarah Shelburn has known for most of her life that her younger brother, Nathan, would one day need a kidney transplant. Since she was 16, she’s known she wanted to be the donor.
Nathan was born with chronic renal failure and now as he is preparing to graduate from high school, it is time for the transplant. On May 27, Sarah, who is a transporter in Radiology, will travel to Kansas City with Nathan for an operation that could save his life.
It’s a life-changing event, but Sarah says it’s just part of being a big sister.
“Everybody goes on about ‘you’re a hero, blah, blah, blah,’ but I don’t look at it like that,” she says. “He’s my little brother and I just didn’t hesitate.”
The Shelburn family will travel to Kansas City to be near Nathan and Sarah as they undergo the transplant at Children’s Mercy Hospital. Sarah will be hospitalized for 4-5 days, while Nathan will be in for 10-14. His total recovery time will be 8-12 weeks, but he should start feeling better right away.
Most of the procedure itself is covered by insurance, but the Radiology department has held fundraisers to help cover the costs of the family’s lodging and time away from work. So far, they have raised more than $5,000, with a goal of $10,000.
“My coworkers have helped out and supported us, it’s amazing,” Sarah says. “I’ve been in tears quite a few times over fundraisers and seeing how giving people are. We’re very, very grateful.”
A fund has been established for the family’s expenses at the Bank of Billings (744-2567) and donations can be made to:
The Kidney Fund for Nathan Shelburn
P.O. Box 70
Billings, MO 65610
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