Father of ‘Success Kid’ in need of a kidney transplant
Apr 16, 2015, 2:25 AM | Updated: 2:25 am
The ever-present photo of a baby making a fist full of sand complete with a victory face has been an internet staple over the past couple years.
Now, that same child is asking for your help to save his father’s life, according to ABC News.
Sammy Griner, the 8-year-old child star in the photo, has used his internet presence to earn over $9,000 for his father’s transplant.
Justin Griner, Sammy’s father, has been on dialysis for six years and is in need of a living donor, according to his wife, Laney.
“Six years on dialysis is getting to be a long time,” Laney said in an interview with ABC News. “It’s wearing on him. I just want to get him healthy.”
Justin found out his kidneys were failing before his son was born, but now spends about 12 hours a week on dialysis. Laney noticed the toll dialysis was taking on her husband and decided to set up a GoFundMe to raise awareness and funds.
Justin, who is a confirmed patient at Mayo Clinic’s Florida campus, is not on the list yet for a deceased donor. If he is matched with a living donor, Medicare will cover 80 percent of the post-surgery costs, but Justin’s drugs will cost about $12,000 during the first year alone.
Although Laney said she wanted the fundraiser to focus solely on her husband, she acknowledged the success of the meme led to the success of the fundraiser.
“By now, it’s just out there. What am I going to do? At least it’s positive,” she said. “Without that happening, how much could I get this recognition about my husband’s kidney transplant?”
Success Kid has gave the internet so much hope in the past and now it is our turn to give it right back — let’s get his dad a kidney!
