(Photo provided by Sarah Rife)

Myles Bartley is a 2-year-old little boy who was born with non-functioning kidneys. He has been on Peritoneal Dialysis since he was 2 weeks old.

Though Myles has endured many needles, medications and surgeries, Myles has remained a sweet and energetic boy. In just a few short months, Myles will be receiving a new kidney that will drastically improve the quality of his life.

“He actually has quite a bit of energy; we’re kind of scared about how much energy he will have after the surgery,” said the toddler’s mom, Sarah Rife. “He has a 6-year-old sister he loves to play with. He loves balls and loves to be outside. He also has lots of times that he is sick.”

According to Rife, the estimated date of Myles’ surgery will be the beginning of summer. Though originally Rife and Myles’ father, Shawn Bartley, planned to donate a kidney to their little boy, Myles will receive a kidney from his paternal aunt, who miraculously is a perfect match for the transplant.

Rife noted that the likelihood of finding a perfect match for a transplant is extremely uncommon. Because Myles’ new kidney will be a perfect match, the chance of rejection following the surgery is drastically lowered.

(Photo provided by Sarah Rife)

Following the surgery, Myles will be hospitalized for approximately 2 to 3 weeks. The family will have to stay in a hotel near the hospital for up to 2 months to allow Myles to be closely monitored following the operation.

“There is a premium we will have to pay every month for his care,” explained Rife. “We have a $5,000 deductible every year for his insurance. We will be living in Indianapolis for 2 months, have to stay in a hotel because his immune system will be compromised. Even after we stay we will have Riley visits twice weekly.”

Because of the costs associated with Myles surgery, his family is hosting a donation page for him called “Miles for Myles.” According to Rife, the goal is to raise a total of $50,000 to help pay for medical and living expenses during the time of Myles surgery, as well as to allow for money for trips back and forth to Riley’s Children’s Hospital that will become necessary.

“The surgery will pretty much save his life,” explained Rife. “You can’t be on dialysis forever. He doesn’t know how sick he is, he has been like this since he was born. He will have energy and he will be able to eat again. We’ve spent the majority of his life getting tests done or in the hospital.”

To donate to Miles for Myles, visit the donation page HERE.