"Success Kid" has been the poster boy for beating the odds since 2007 — when a photo of the toddler with a raised fist and determined expression became an upbeat macro meme. Now eight years old, Success Kid and his family are turning to the Internet that made him a household face for help, launching a GoFundMe campaign around his dad's kidney transplant.
Justin Griner, the father of Success Kid – or Sammy – was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2006. Three years later, his kidneys had completely shut down, putting him on dialysis for 12 hours each week. Laney, Sammy's mom, created the GoFundMe campaign for her husband, asking the web for help raising $75,000 to pay for related medical expenses.
Laney said the cost of the transplant itself will be covered by Medicare but the additional expenses for the treatment and medication required both in preparation for the procedure and following the transplant are on the Griners.
"There's a lot of medicines and anti-rejection drugs one must take for life, some costing thousands of dollars a month," she said. "[But] the only way to save his life is to get a transplant. There's no other way around that."
Justin is now 39 years old. His mother died from kidney disease as well and Laney doesn't want her son to go through the same thing with his dad.
Thankfully, Justin's GoFundMe campaign was a success — meeting its goal in just 6 days. Donations are still pouring in, reflecting the Internet's support for Success Kid and his family.
Those interested in becoming a donor are advised to fill out an online form in the campaign page. Some contributors to the campaign have suggested that those who might not be a match for Justin could still help others by becoming altruistic donors. Altruistic donors provide their organs without an intended recipient — simply to help another in need.
