Ashley and Jimmy celebrate life together after kidney donation

According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 101,000 people are currently on the organ transplant list in need of a new kidney. However, only about 17,000 transplants happen each year — approximately one-third of those are made possible by living donors. One Colorado couple, Ashley and Jimmy Cleverly, share their recent journey navigating chronic kidney disease and how a living donor transplant has changed their lives.

The Cleverlys' transplant story

After eloping in 2021, having their first baby in 2022 and purchasing their first home together in 2023, Ashley and Jimmy’s lives took a turn a few months later when Jimmy began having problems with his vision.

Comprehensive testing determined Jimmy had IgA nephropathy, a chronic kidney disease. And just a few months later, his kidney function had fallen to less than 20%. As Jimmy’s health continued to decline, the Cleverlys knew he’d need a kidney transplant. They sought help at the AdventHealth Transplant Institute at AdventHealth Porter.

Jimmy’s relatives were tested and learned none were a match for him. The next step was to find a nonrelated kidney donor — a much more challenging task. The odds of finding a nonrelated match can range from 1 in 100 to 1 in 100,000.

Against all odds, Ashley’s test results showed that she was a perfect match for her husband.

Jimmy’s much-needed kidney transplant

Even still, choosing whether to move forward with the transplant surgery wasn’t an easy decision, as the Cleverlys had their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter’s needs to consider as well. Jimmy felt Ashley had already sacrificed so much as a wife and mother, and he was unsure about receiving such an immense, lifesaving gift from his wife. Ashley was concerned about the risks of surgery and what could happen if something went wrong.

After much consideration, the couple decided to move forward with the transplant procedure and underwent surgery at AdventHealth Porter in July 2024.

Healing and a new lease on life

Jimmy and Ashley’s kidney transplant procedures went smoothly, and they’re grateful for the second chance their family has received. This experience has brought them even closer as they recovered and continue to happily and healthfully raise their daughter together.

Whole-person care at every stage

Navigating chronic liver and kidney conditions can be a long road. With our transplant specialists by your side, you’ll be surrounded with expertise and compassion throughout every stage of your journey. Learn more about the AdventHealth Transplant Institute and our living donor program today.