Betsy and JJ Stannard have two beautiful daughters. Catherine, an active, spunky 3-year-old, and Claire, who celebrated her 2nd birthday last week. Claire was born without fully functioning kidneys. Since her first ultrasound in January 2024, the Stannards’ lives have been filled with doctors, surgeries, diagnoses, prognoses and challenges. Doctors determined early on that Claire would need a kidney transplant from a living donor. “It would change her life,” Betsy said. “A kidney for Claire would mean more energy and overall health throughout her life, freedom from her daily 12-hour dialysis requirements, improved appetite and growth, the ability to travel with her family, and less time in hospitals for surgery, procedures and tests. Thanks to someone willing to give this special gift of life, Claire is getting this chance! Doctors performed a successful kidney transplant on May 6. Claire and her family are now at the start of what we hope is the final leg of their journey, recovering from surgery and allowing Claire's body to accept her new kidney and heal. She is currently at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha; Betsy and JJ Stannard (and Catherine!) will be balancing their time between the hospital and home for the next several weeks. Even when Claire is released to recover at home, she will need 24/7 care for the next few months. The Stannards will also spend much of their time in isolation to protect Claire, who will have essentially no immune system as her body adapts. To offer the same kindness, love and compassion Betsy and the Stannards have shown to so many, we hope to gather our amazing community's support to help with meals, pick-me-ups, and to ease household burdens for the family during this exciting, but challenging time. **MEALS** Nothing beats a home cooked meal! If you are in the Omaha area and willing to deliver a meal for the Stannards, a drop box will be available on the front porch if they are unable to answer or are not at home. The drop box is insulated to keep things cold or warm as needed. **GIFT CARDS** Sometimes you just need french fries. Any gift card is welcomed and appreciated, particularly for Visa, Give in Kind, DoorDash or UberEats. This is a great option for everyone including friends and loved ones who live outside of Omaha. **NOTES, CARDS, GIFTS** The Stannards extend their deepest gratitude for your prayers and words of comfort. Cards, gifts and notes are all greatly appreciated! For those in the Omaha area, there will be a place to leave your items on the front porch. **HDR COLLEAGUE KIDNEY BALLS** Do you work with Betsy at HDR? Her coworkers are selling $5 stress balls (kidney shaped, of course!) to show your support. These donations will be shared with the Stannards for lawn care services, deliveries and groceries as needed by the family.
During her extensive recovery, Claire will be severely immunocompromised and cannot have contact with visitors. While the Stannards are grateful for your prayers, love and support, please plan to drop off meals, gifts and/or cards on their porch. There is a drop box available on the front porch, insulated to keep things cold / warm as needed. There is also a place for notes and cards. You may also support the family by providing meals by delivery or by purchasing Visa, Give in Kind, DoorDash, or UberEats gift cards, or purchasing an HDR Kidney Ball (coworkers only.)