Teen Supports Mother Facing Kidney Transplant Crisis

A remarkable young man is stepping up for his mother, who is in urgent need of a kidney transplant. Alexander James Morrison, known as A.J., is a 19-year-old ambassador at Variety Village in Scarborough, Canada. Recently, he learned that his mother, Mary Jo Vradis, aged 47, requires a second kidney transplant after her first one has begun to fail.

The news came as a shock to A.J., who only recently discovered that his mother had previously undergone a kidney transplant while he was still a child. “My mom did a pretty good job of hiding it from me,” he reflected. “She didn’t want to scare me, and I understand that. But I’m older now. It’s time I knew.”

Mary Jo has been a constant figure at Variety Village since A.J.’s birth. Nineteen years ago, she gave birth to him while undergoing dialysis at St. Michael’s Hospital. Kidney failure is often hereditary, but A.J. has been cleared of any issues. Mary Jo continued her dialysis treatments in secret, ensuring that A.J. would not have to bear the weight of her health struggles.

Now, Mary Jo is facing the prospect of returning to dialysis, describing it as “like a slow death.” She has begun searching for a live donor and has established a website, mjneedskidney.com, to raise awareness and solicit help. The site includes a link to the documentary Tales from the Organ Trade, which highlights the challenges faced by individuals seeking kidney transplants.

Despite his own challenges, which include having been born without a cerebellum and living with cerebral palsy, A.J. has taken the initiative to educate himself about his mother’s condition. He expressed a desire to understand the gravity of the situation, stating, “Mom, this is an important point in your life, and I just want to know more about it.” After overhearing conversations about his mother’s health, A.J. even offered to be a donor, though Mary Jo firmly rejected the idea.

A.J. has been engaged in physical therapy since he was two years old and now uses a wheelchair or walker to get around. His determination and resilience have shaped him into a strong individual, both physically and emotionally. He is currently working on a resume, taking part in a work placement at Variety Village where he leads tours and advocates for accessible sports and services.

“I try to be funny and make jokes to take my mind and my mom’s mind off all the pain she must be feeling,” A.J. explained. His sense of humor shines through as he navigates this challenging time, demonstrating a deep love for his mother. “I just really want to do everything I can to help her. I love her so much. I don’t want to lose her,” he confessed, breaking down in tears for the first time during the conversation.

The community is rallying to support Mary Jo, aiming to raise $260,000 to assist with her medical needs. With just days left in the fundraising effort, contributions are being solicited through local initiatives and online donations. The total raised so far stands at $246,391, showcasing the willingness of the community to come together for one of their own.

As A.J. continues to support his mother through this difficult journey, he remains a beacon of positivity and determination, reminding those around him of the importance of family and resilience in the face of adversity.