Comprehensive Pediatric Kidney Care

For being so tiny, a child's kidneys are mighty organs. They are responsible for removing wastes and excess water from the blood, regulating blood pressure, sodium and potassium levels and making hormones responsible for growth and red blood cells. Conditions such as birth defects and other hereditary diseases can cause the kidneys to stop working.

For those afflicted with end-stage renal disease, transplantation is the optimal treatment. More than 10,000 patients in Texas are on the waiting list for kidneys. More than 100 are under the age of 18.* In most cases, children must undergo dialysis, an artificial blood filtration method, while awaiting a suitable donor.

The dedicated staff at Driscoll Children's Hospital Kidney Transplant Program and Kidney Center is committed to enhancing the quality of life for children in need of dialysis, guiding them through every step of their transplant journey, beginning with the wait for a donor. Our program caters to recipients ranging from 1 to 24 years old, and we’ve successfully performed over 129 pediatric kidney transplants. With on-site pediatric dialysis services in Corpus Christi and McAllen, Texas, we make quality, comprehensive care accessible for South Texas infants and children with end-stage renal disease.

From diagnosis and pre-transplant testing and counseling to transplant surgery and recovery, Driscoll provides ongoing care and support, ensuring that young patients with donor kidneys thrive well into adulthood.

*This information is based on OPTN (Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network) data as of 1/25/2022.

Driscoll Children's Surgery Center

Visit our surgery hub for information on all surgeries preformed at Driscoll Children's Hospital and Clinics.

Important Patient Surgery Information

Children and their families benefit from specialized care provided by our experienced team members, recognized as some of the best in South Texas, and all specially trained in working exclusively with children.

Our team consists of:

  • A pediatric transplant surgeon
  • Four pediatric transplant nephrologists (kidney doctors)
  • Nurses (nephrology, dialysis, transplant)
  • Dietitians
  • Social workers

With support from:

  • Pediatric sub-specialists
  • Pharmacists
  • Child life specialists
  • Other healthcare professionals

Driscoll's staff will assist, counsel and educate families through dialysis, pre-and post-operative requirements and dietary changes so that they may successfully manage their child's health and emotional needs.

Anita Rosales, 
RN, CPN, CCTC 
[email protected]
(361) 694-5574

Belinda LaVake, 
RN, CDN 
[email protected]
(361) 694-4866

Driscoll kidney transplant patients and their families gather each year for the Transplant Reunion. The event is designed for patients and their families to enjoy some fun, food, games and fellowship.

Seamless Specialist Care

Visit all your child's specialists in one trip to Driscoll Children's Hospital.

Contact any of our specialty clinics to schedule a convenient one-day visit to all your child’s specialists.

Call 361-694-5000 or your 
specialty clinic.

Meet the Kidney Transplants Team

Stephen Almond MD
Stephen Almond
MD
Kidney Transplants
Surgery Center
Amy Becker MD
Amy Becker
MD
Nephrology
Kidney Transplants
Dialysis
Mauricio Romero Olvera MD
Mauricio Romero Olvera
MD
Nephrology
Kidney Transplants
Dialysis
See All Driscoll Children’s Doctors

Kidney Transplants Locations

Driscoll Children's Hospital, Corpus Christi

3533 S. Alameda St.
Corpus Christi
TX 
78411
(361) 694-5000
24hrs
Kidney Transplants
Sloan Building, 2nd Floor
(361) 694-5022
( 361) 808 - 2064
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m - 5 p.m.

Miracle Stories

Together, Against All Odds

Our experts put their passion to work every day, helping kids defy incredible odds on their health journeys here at Driscoll.
Read More Miracle Stories
crosschevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram