A mother and her two adult children are in urgent need of kidney donors, a result of Alport Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes progressive kidney failure, hearing loss, and eye abnormalities.
Amanda Liles, her daughter Katelyn Massie, and son Hunter Collins are all registered on the kidney transplant list and are actively searching for living donors.
Their situation is rare. All three family members are facing the same life-threatening challenge simultaneously—and all three need life-saving kidney transplants.
“We’re hopeful,” said Katelyn Massie. “The outpouring of love from our community has been incredible, but we still need help.”
Katelyn, the eldest of the siblings, is just 22 but has already achieved remarkable things. A graduate of the Craft Academy at Morehead State University, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Washington State University and a Master’s in Bioengineering from the University of Washington. Katelyn is married to Justin Massie, a member of the US military who is currently preparing to attend flight school.
“She’s unbelievably smart, driven, and kind,” said a family member. “She should be enjoying the best years of her life, not spending them on dialysis.”
Despite initially finding a donor match, Katelyn’s transplant had to be postponed due to an issue with a required vaccine series. That donor is no longer available, but she remains on the list and optimistic.
“Even though it fell through, I’m still deeply grateful to that anonymous person who was willing to give a part of themselves to help me,” she said. “That kind of kindness means everything.”
Her younger brother Hunter is also on the transplant list. The family is urging those who are healthy and willing to consider becoming a living kidney donor—not only for Katelyn or Hunter but for anyone in need.
How to Help
Those interested in being tested as potential kidney donors can visit ukhealthcare.uky.edu/kidneydonorform or call the UK Living Donor Program at 859-323-2467.
Blood types A+ / A– and O+ / O– are compatible with Katelyn, but the transplant team can evaluate potential donors for all three family members.
“This is not just our fight—it’s a fight many families face in silence,” Katelyn Massie said. “If you’ve ever considered being a living donor, now is the time to act. You could save a life. Maybe even three.”
Those unable to donate are encouraged to help by sharing the family’s story, registering as organ donors, and raising awareness about Alport Syndrome and the critical need for organ donation.
For more information, contact:
UK Living Donor Program: 859-323-2467
Coordinator Carolyn Hassert: 859-323-1152
Email: UKlivingdonor@uky.edu
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