Florida teen in need of kidney searching for donor

BELLEVIEW, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - A nurse who works at the Department of Veteran's Affairs Outpatient Clinic is hoping someone will save her son, who is in desperate need of a kidney.

Cole Tumey, 17, does his best to tune-in on being positive, as he struggles with a kidney disease.

"This past spring, his kidney began to fail, and the doctors tried to do what they could to salvage and save what they could," explained Cole’s mother, Leona Yawn.

She said she has done everything possible to keep him alive.

"He was two years old, I gave him my kidney. He did really well for 15 years."

Cole has led an active life coaching baseball, but now he’s dealing with dialysis as he struggles to survive. They’re hoping a hero steps in to help.

"We’re trying to see if there’s anyone willing to fill out a donor packet and be a candidate for him to receive a kidney from them."

Leona, who is a nurse, says they need type O or B blood. She formed Team Cole, a group focused on finding Cole a kidney donor.  He is grateful to everyone for their support.

"Makes you feel like you’re not alone. You have family and friends.  You just feel loved."

Love is what this mom plans to continue giving him.

"I’m thankful for not only giving him life once, but twice."

For more information or how to help, visit Cole's Go Fund Me page, or call 352-598-9260.