Arivia Smith’s life changed forever when she became a teenage mother. Her son Zack, born with chronic kidney disease, faced numerous medical challenges throughout his short life. From early complications to a heart-wrenching kidney transplant and its aftermath, Arivia shares her story of resilience, love, and loss.

A Mother's Fight for Her Child's Life

Early Challenges and Unexpected Strength

At just 15 years old, Arivia faced an unimaginable decision. Doctors advised terminating the pregnancy due to severe complications, but Arivia chose to fight for her unborn child. Zack was born at 37 weeks, defying the grim prognosis. The first few months were challenging; Zack spent time in the NICU, requiring specialized care and formula adjustments. Despite these hurdles, Arivia found strength in her role as a single mother, supported by her own mom. Managing Zack’s health involved meticulous monitoring of medications, electrolytes, and regular visits to specialists. His hip condition added another layer of complexity, necessitating surgery and a full-body cast during his infancy.

Growing Up with Chronic Kidney Disease

For the first decade of Zack’s life, he enjoyed relative normalcy, thanks to the unwavering support of his family and medical team. However, around age 10, Zack’s kidney function began to decline. Large cysts developed on both kidneys, stunting their growth as Zack grew bigger. This marked a turning point, signaling the inevitable need for a transplant. The transition was tough—Zack experienced fatigue, eating difficulties, and had to undergo dialysis. Hemodialysis gave way to peritoneal dialysis, which required nightly treatments at home. These changes drastically altered Zack’s lifestyle, limiting his social interactions and affecting his self-esteem. Arivia worked tirelessly to build Zack’s confidence, reassuring him that his condition didn’t define him.

The Long-Awaited Transplant and Its Complications

After months on the transplant list, the family received the call they had been waiting for. The transplant surgery went smoothly initially, bringing hope and joy. However, within days, Zack’s blood pressure spiked, and he showed signs of mild organ rejection. The medical team responded swiftly, performing plasma exchanges to combat the antibodies attacking the new kidney. Despite this setback, Zack’s recovery seemed promising until unexpected seizures occurred shortly after returning home. Diagnosed with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), Zack faced severe headaches, vision loss, and difficulty attending school regularly. Arivia struggled to justify his absences to the school district while managing his complex medication regimen.

The Final Battle and Heartbreaking Loss

A seemingly minor cold turned into a critical illness for Zack. Strep throat, pneumonia, and RSV led to septic shock, causing multiple organ failure. Arivia vividly recalls the harrowing 32 days Zack spent fighting for his life in the hospital. Doctors described him as “the sickest child in North Carolina,” repeatedly warning that survival was unlikely. Despite the dire circumstances, Arivia and her husband remained hopeful, ready to embrace any outcome. Ultimately, Zack’s condition deteriorated beyond recovery. The family gathered to say their final goodbyes, a moment filled with profound grief and love. Arivia’s younger children also had the chance to bid farewell, creating lasting memories despite the pain.

Healing Through Community and Remembrance

In the aftermath, Arivia sought solace in connecting with other grieving mothers. Sharing Zack’s story on social media brought an outpouring of support, helping her find a sense of purpose. She established a memorial box where family members could leave letters for Zack, fostering a personal connection. Grief therapy provided essential support for her children, who struggled with the loss of their brother. Arivia emphasizes the importance of giving herself grace, acknowledging that healing is a gradual process. Through her story, she hopes to raise awareness about septic shock and organ transplants, ensuring Zack’s legacy lives on.