Did you know? April 19th through the 25th is National Pediatric Transplant Week! Nationally, our goal is to end the pediatric transplant waiting list. Currently, there are more than 2,200 children waiting for a lifesaving transplant. Twenty-seven percent of children waiting for an organ transplant are under 5 years old. In 2025, 1,874 children received lifesaving transplants, matched from nearly 900 pediatric organ donors.
In honor of National Pediatric Transplant Week, we would like to introduce you to a tiny hero who has made the gift of life possible. Meet Alden. He gave the ultimate gift through heart valve donation. His mother, Jenell, shared, “Our pregnancy journey was amazing. I grew a perfect little boy. His father and I talked to him for nine months, felt him kicking me daily and couldn't wait to hold him in our arms. We created the perfect nursery with little cows and rodeo themed decorations. We had the most amazing baby shower as well. Our entire journey was movie worthy. When I went into labor on my due date, August 18, 2024, as I started to push, the doctors informed us that Alden had no heartbeat. I gave natural birth to this amazing 8 pound, 20-inch little boy who I wouldn't be able to take home with us. While crying and holding this perfect baby, I was so angry at the world. I had so many unanswered questions that no one could help me understand. I agonized over why this happened to our son and us. My cell phone rang with a number I didn’t know at the time, but it was the Nevada Donor Network offering Alden another ending to his story. I didn't answer because I was grieving a pain I had never felt in my life before and I couldn’t focus on anything, but these precious moments with my literal angel. Eventually, the doctor came into our room and gently said, "Jenell, there’s a little baby that could be saved if you answer that call." I’m so grateful I did. Alden's heart helped save another life. I now believe that I was meant to grow and nourish this perfect little child so he could save someone else. I believe that Alden, being an organ and tissue donor, is the only thing that helped us get through this tragedy. Now, I try to see it as a blessing. We are now pregnant again, instead of fearing what will happen, I’m at peace knowing that this new baby has his or her own guardian angel watching over them. Our son Alden had a purpose in saving another life.”
Alden’s loved ones attended his Donor Remembrance Ceremony (DRC) which occurs each year to honor our heroic donors and their courageous families. This is an invite only, no cost event for families whose loved one has given the gift of hope, strength and life through organ, eye and tissue donation. After this event, they were incredibly moved by what Alden’s gift has done and how much donation impacts our community. His Mother, Jenell, became inspired to give back to our mission by creating the ‘Little Ducky Legacy Foundation’ to fundraise for Nevada Donor Network Foundation.
In honor of 2026 National Donate Life Month, their family’s business, Stake Out Bar & Grill, ended up beating their goal for the month through several fundraisers. They raised over $10,000 for Nevada Donor Network Foundation! We are honored to serve heroes like Alden and are proud to share their story.
Would you like to give back to our foundation’s mission to ‘End the Wait’ in honor of your hero? Learn more here!