MADERA, Calif. – A 12‑year‑old Fresno student turned his birthday celebration into a tradition of generosity, raising money to support a pediatric patient receiving kidney care at Valley Children’s.
Instead of requesting presents for his birthday, Mateo Kern, a student at St. Anthony’s School, asked friends and family to donate money to help a patient being treated in the nephrology clinic at Valley Children’s. The clinic provides inpatient and outpatient care for children with congenital and acquired kidney diseases.
Mateo, who has also been treated as a patient at Valley Children’s, isn’t a stranger to generosity – his donation marked the second year he’s chosen to give back in lieu of receiving birthday gifts.
“Mateo is truly an honorary member of our nephrology team,” shared Charge Nurse Clarissa Trinidad. “Year after year, he keeps our patients close to his heart and his kindness continues to make a meaningful difference.”
Mateo created a birthday donation box and raised funds intended to support a child and their family during treatment. His effort gained additional momentum when a Valley Children’s nephrologist, who asked to remain anonymous, learned about the fundraiser and chose to match Mateo’s donation, doubling its impact.
The act of generosity resonated with clinicians who care for children facing complex kidney conditions, including Dr. Laide Jinadu, a pediatric nephrologist at Valley Children’s.
“Being able to give to our patients in acknowledgment of what they’re going through brings us tremendous joy,” Dr. Jinadu said. “Knowing that children like Mateo can be so selfless gives us hope for the future.”
To learn more about nephrology at Valley Children’s, click here.
