Sit Down with Cyle Warcken

Cyle received a life-saving kidney transplant from his dad when he was just 26 months old after being born with posterior urethral valves, a condition that caused severe damage to his kidneys. Since then, his journey has been anything but simple.

He takes anti-rejection medication every single day—medication he’ll need for life—to keep his body from attacking his transplanted kidney. Just one year after his transplant, he faced a rejection episode that required intensive treatment. Later, he was also diagnosed with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), a type of lymphoma linked to transplant patients.

Cyle’s strength shows in the countless procedures he’s endured—blood draws, kidney and bone marrow biopsies, ultrasounds, and bladder testing—all to carefully monitor his health and catch any concerns early.

While his transplant has given him precious time, it’s not a permanent cure. He will likely need another transplant in the future. For now, every year his kidney continues to function is a victory.

He recently celebrated 20 years with his transplanted kidney from his father, an incredible and rare milestone for children recipients, whose growing bodies can make long-term success more challenging.His journey is a constant balancing act—because while anti-rejection medications protect his kidney, they can also cause damage over time.

Cyle’s story is one of resilience, strength, and hope in the face of ongoing challenges. Help us kick off April, Donate Life month, with the perfect guest!