Alvaro Gjoci

Alvi, a teenage boy living in the outskirts of Tirana, Albania, recently celebrated his sixteenth birthday. But, rather than enjoying a slice of cake — or, Alvi’s preference, some crispy french fries —  with family and friends, he made the long journey to the hospital for his third kidney dialysis treatment of the week. 

Like many high school boys, Alvi would opt to describe himself as a trouble-maker and a heart-breaker. But, to his chagrin, he’s actually a really responsible kid, a sweet friend, and above all else, a dedicated big brother. His little sister, a competitive tomboy, looks to him as her ultimate opponent, always challenging him to one-on-one soccer matches in their front yard or begging to arm wrestle just one more time. (However, a rematch is due if he lets her win.) And any time Alvi’s toddler brother falls and gets hurt, he calls out for Alvi rather than his mother or father. A quick hug from Alvi turns into a playful toss in the air or surprise tickle attack; and the pain is forgotten. 

But Alvi’s life has recently turned upside down. In March 2026, he was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease and required immediate initiation of dialysis treatment. Alvi receives dialysis three times a week, for four hours each time. He often must take three buses to reach the hospital, since both Alvi’s parents work, so coordinating rides is difficult. He has had to miss many days of school so that he can attend his appointments, where he is the only teenager among much older patients. 

The treatment is time-consuming and physically demanding. When he returns home, he usually needs to sleep for several hours to recover. He can’t play soccer or roughhouse because he risks damaging or infecting his catheters. He has to adhere to a strict diet, meaning cutting out salty foods (including french fries!) and limiting his water intake, even in the hot summer months. Since the treatments began, Alvi hasn’t been able to live a normal life, let alone be the devoted big brother and enthusiastic teenager he usually is.

Alvi is in urgent need of a kidney transplant; only then will he be able to survive without the dialysis treatments. His mother is a match and will be the donor. However, transplant surgeries are not offered in Albania, so he must find one abroad. 

Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston is the national leader in pediatric transplant. Thankfully, Alvi’s aunt lives near Houston, so he and his mother will have a place to stay. They just need help covering the medical bills. Texas Children’s Hospital has estimated the costs (kidney transplant and related services, including pre-transplant evaluation, hemodialysis, immunosuppressants and all other prescription needs, etc.) to be 425,000 USD. Alvi’s family has chosen to use Help Hope Live to raise the money to cover these costs.

By receiving this transplant procedure, Alvi can return to living a dynamic life. He can spend quality time with his siblings, enjoy tasty foods, and work toward a bright future for himself, just in time for college applications!