Hello! I'm Joseph and am an 11 year old in 6th grade. Anyone who knows me knows I love anything that involved Batman and Joker and that I'm excited to be a 2017 Children's Hospital Ambassador! I was born with Eagle-Barrett Syndrome (commonly known as Prune Belly Syndrome) and that caused my kidney damage before I was born. The doctors and nurses at Children's Hospital Colorado took care of me until I was 3 months old so Mom and Dad could take me home. I had to have nightly peritoneal dialysis until I was over 3 years old. On Thanksgiving weekend 2008 my mom answered a phone call late at night with the news we had been waiting for -- a new kidney was found for me! Because someone else chose to be a hero and donate life, I was able to be free from the dialysis tubing for over 8 years now!
I have had over 22 surgeries and tons of days and weeks sleeping in Children's Hospital for all kinds of reasons. I had RSV at 5 months old, many infections with my wierd urinary tract problems, and a couple times my body tried to reject my new kidney, but everyone at Children's Hospital makes sure I feel better and feel safe, and even have fun sometimes when I am not feeling good.
I really like when Child Life comes to visit when I'm in the hospital, she always brings me new LEGO sets which is a great way to spend my time when I am stuck in bed. I also have lots of fun at the Ryan Secrest Studio BBOY45! I get to visit when I'm in the hospital and also when I am feeling good and just visiting for clinics. Chris and Corey are so much fun and I have even made friends with other patients when we are in the BBOY45 radio station just having fun and talking.
I love sports, but most of the time I can only watch because there are lots of sports I can't play because of my Prune Belly Syndrome (and I'm kind of small for my age) and not many abdominal muscles to protect all of the stuff inside me. So when I can't join in sports I love to perform with my guitar and singing my favorite country music songs. I also like movies. Lots of movies, but my favorite is Batman and Avengers--all of them!
Please join me this year to support Children's Hospital Colorado with your donation just like they have supported me and saved my life so many times!