From left are Dane (11), Mom AJ, Ryan (5), Carter (10) and Dad Ted.
“Why I Give” is part of a continuing series highlighting the inspiring donors who make a lasting impact through the Renown Health Foundation. Their generosity helps expand care and strengthen the health of our community.
For AJ and Ted Conrads, giving to Renown Health Foundation is deeply personal. Their philanthropy honors their son, Dane, who has faced extraordinary health challenges. Their gifts help strengthen pediatric services in northern Nevada, so children with critical health care issues can get the care they need close to home.
Against All Odds
When AJ and Ted welcomed their first son, Dane, they never imagined the road ahead. He was born healthy, but at five days old, he became critically ill. Testing revealed the unimaginable: Dane was in liver failure caused by an enterovirus.
Enteroviruses are common viruses that may cause mild symptoms, like a cold or stomach flu. For newborns, however, these infections can be more serious. In rare instances, such as in Dane’s case, they may infect vital organs such as the liver. This can lead to life-threatening complications.
Dane fought to survive. At six weeks old and weighing less than five pounds, he received a life-saving liver transplant. The surgery was a miracle for such a tiny infant. Dane initially showed promising signs of recovery. Unexpectedly, during his recovery, Dane’s kidneys began to fail, and he required dialysis. Months after birth, he finally transitioned home, staying close to a major children’s hospital to continue outpatient dialysis. Doctors said he would need to reach 22 pounds before qualifying for a kidney transplant.
AJ immediately offered to donate one of her kidneys. Testing showed she was a match, but doctors explained she could not move forward. Dane’s veins were fragile from repeated dialysis, and surgery from a living donor carried too many risks. For him, the safest option was a kidney from a deceased donor. Dane was placed on the national transplant waiting list.
Each day was filled with hope and worry. Then one day, they finally received the call they were waiting for: a kidney was available for Dane.
By then, Dane was 3 years old. The transplant surgery was successful, and his health dramatically improved. It was a turning point toward a healthier life. “After years of worry, this was the first time we could breathe. It felt like everything would be okay,” said Ted.
A Family’s Determination
Brighter days seemed within reach. But their relief was short-lived. In 2022, 8-year-old Dane became extremely sick and faced serious setbacks. “He was almost emaciated and went into heart failure,” said AJ. The family learned his body was rejecting the kidney.
He returned to dialysis, this time indefinitely. The Conrads traveled to the dialysis center three times a week. AJ received training to perform the treatments at home. Caring for him at home brought Dane comfort and kept the family together.
AJ and Ted never gave up. As Dane continued his dialysis at home, the reality of a second deceased-donor transplant became clear. Unfortunately, he was too unwell to qualify for the national list again. Thankfully, AJ’s kidney was a perfect match, and doctors worked to make the second transplant happen.
The surgery was successful, and Dane’s body accepted AJ’s kidney. Remarkably, that life-changing transplant took place just two years ago.
Stronger Every Day
Today, Dane is 11 years old and free from dialysis. He can focus on being a kid again. He takes daily medication and undergoes regular blood tests. He will continue to need routine checkups to ensure his kidney stays healthy as he grows.
Due to the toll his body has endured, Dane relies on a feeding tube. Despite these challenges, his spirit remains strong. His recovery has allowed him to enjoy life fully. He loves sports, music and playing with his brothers, Carter and Ryan.
“Dane has such a wonderful outlook,” said Ted. “His attitude inspires everyone around him.”
Giving Back and Expanding Specialty Care
AJ and Ted understand the uncertainty families face when a child is seriously ill because they lived through it with Dane. That is why they donated to the Renown Children’s Hospital Endowment. They want to help other families receive the care and treatment they need locally.
“Renown has been part of Dane’s journey,” said Ted. “We want to help build more services so families can stay close to home.”
Thanks to families like the Conrads, Renown Children’s Hospital continues to develop advanced treatments and specialized programs locally. Donations help fund expert care teams and essential equipment, ensuring children receive life-saving care within their community.
AJ and Ted shared their story with Dr. Kris Deeter, Chair of Pediatrics, and Paige McCall, VP of Women and Children’s, helping identify gaps in care for children in our region. Renown Children’s Hospital has been able to start an inpatient dialysis program, and is currently developing an outpatient dialysis program. We are deeply grateful to the Conrads for making a difference in the lives of children and families at Renown Children’s Hospital.
Learn more about specialized kidney care at Renown Children’s Hospital.
Bringing Care Closer to Home
You can help children like Dane get the care they need right here in northern Nevada. Renown Children’s Hospital is a not-for-profit academic health system and the only Level II pediatric trauma center between Sacramento and Salt Lake City. Every gift strengthens programs, supports expert teams and keeps life-saving care close to home.
