18 yrs old needs encouragement

[jodielmj]

I am the mom of an 18 yr old (amazing) young man. I gave him my kidney 10 yrs ago. His brother got his Dads kidney and sadly, (not due to kidney failure) passed away 7 yrs ago; which ended our marriage. My son is amazing but he is really struggling. His self-esteem and self-care are poor and I live in fear every day that I am going to lose him b/c he does not take the health precautions necessary for a healthy donor kidney. He has few friends, no goals, he just seems to have given up. We are a strong, educated, family that has been blown apart due to the challenges stated. I want my son to find success...but all I do is harp on him b/c I am afraid. He needs to meet teens who too have struggled w/ medical issues, and grief -but are looking forward to a future... We seem to be quite the anomaly...not many families like us...and feeling different keeps us separated and alone. This is not healthy...can you direct us to "like" people or groups? We are good people...who need a community. Thank you.

[KelliC_NKF]

Encourage him to join this online community. I'm sure there are other young people who also face similar issues. Additionally, if he would be willing to talk with someone by phone NKF has a peer mentoring program that would connect him with someone his age. If he's interested have him call 1-855-653-7337 to get started.