KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Matthew Curtain, a 16-year-old student at Sevier County High School, has been waiting for a kidney transplant for nine months. Diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease at the age of 13, Curtain’s health has steadily deteriorated while he waits for a life-saving transplant. According to the American Kidney Fund, kidney diseases affect one in seven Americans. Despite his condition, Curtain remains active in school, works part-time at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, and plays the trumpet in his high school band. His mother, Bethany Curtain, who is retired nurse, expresses concern about his health and worries about his future.
As Curtain’s disease progresses, his health continues to worsen. Currently, his blood cell count is only half of what it should be, and the need for a blood transfusion could complicate his chances of finding a matching donor. Curtain is currently on the waitlist at Vanderbilt Medical Center and actively searching for a live donor. His mother has set up a fundraiser to help cover their medical expenses once they receive the long-awaited call for a transplant. Despite the challenges, Curtain remains resilient and determined, comparing managing his disease to spinning plates, ensuring none of them fall.
Kidney diseases have a significant impact on individuals and their families, affecting millions of Americans. The story of Matthew Curtain sheds light on the emotional and physical struggles faced by patients awaiting organ transplants. The importance of organ donation and the need for more live donors are evident in this situation, as Curtain’s health and future depend on finding a compatible kidney. The community is rallying around Curtain and his family, with the fundraiser providing an opportunity for others to support his medical expenses.
