Mancos resident Jennifer Zeutzius is counting on the new year bringing better health, something her family didn't see in 2014.
Zeutzius said the year came to an end when her 15-year-old son, Hayden Kocourek, was diagnosed with kidney failure.
"I had been taking him to the doctor because his ankles were hurting," Zeutzius said. "The doctor called me on Dec. 7 and said I needed to take him to the hospital right away."
It turned out that because of his kidney failure, Hayden had developed a metabolic bone disease that was pulling all the calcium out of his bones, his mother said.
Hayden is an identical twin. And like most identical twins, he and his brother were born a bit early, at 32 weeks.
"He had a bit of a kidney problem when he was born," his mom said.
Hayden spent most of December in the Denver Children's Hospital with Stage Five renal disease.
The sudden realization that one of their own was ill sent Mancos into action. Jars popped up all over town, seeking donations for the medical expenses associated with disease. A Go Fund Me site popped us as well, yielding donations of $6,800.
"I am very appreciative. We have a great community," Zeutzius said.
This isn't the only challenge the family faced last year. Over the summer, Zeutzius was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She works as a nurse.
Today, Hayden is attending school again, although he can't play sports. He goes through eight hours of dialysis every night, something Zeutzius is able to do at home because she is a nurse.
He's taking lots of medications, Zeutzius said.
His family was thrilled that Hayden got to spend Christmas at home and started attending school again at the beginning of the year.
"That was there goal, is that he could spend Christmas at home," Zeutzius said.
Zeutzius said that her son has to get a transplant, and can get a transplant from anyone with blood Type O, positive or negative.
Hunter, Hayden's twin, asked the doctor if he could give his kidney to his brother, but Zeutzius said that they don't let anyone donated until they are 18 years old.
"He is doing a lot better now," Zeutzius said. "I think he is feeling a lot better. Hayden is very appreciative and thankful for all the support."
