Boone County Boy Gets Kidney Transplant After Five Year Wait

LEBANON, Ind. (WISH) — A 15-year-old’s wait for a kidney transplant ends with a new lease on life.

On Sunday, a police escort on led the way past a line of family, friends, and hand-drawn signs of support for Aiden Blackburn, a teenager who received a new kidney on Feb 23. after waiting five years and four months on the transplant list. 

He’s spent the past four weeks recovering at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, returning to a surprise reception at his home in Lebanon. 

“I know his mom was already in tears before she even left Minnesota,” said Megan Covert, a family friend.

Following a years-long struggle with kidney disease, Aiden’s stepfather, Ashton Dickinson, says he’s been in noticeably better health since the surgery, but will still need regular lab tests. 

“Support from the neighborhood and county, it’s just been unmatched,” Dickinson said. “We’ve been going through this for a while. It’s been there the whole time. Not one moment did we ever think we were doing this alone.”

Seeing the welcome organized for Aiden, Dickinson said the family couldn’t thank the community enough.