Finding Hope in the Cross

Devin, center, spent 53 days at Fair Haven after receiving a kidney transplant. The 23-year-old is shown with his mom Kelly and stepdad Steve.

Devin came to Indianapolis in need of hope. When his family first arrived at Fair Haven, they noticed a tray of wooden crosses displayed at the entrance. These crosses, made from olive wood and handcrafted in Israel, are offered to all who enter Fair Haven’s doors. Devin’s mom Kelly took a cross to give to her son in the hospital, as a reminder of God’s presence and the hope He brings to all who believe.

At 19 years old, Devin was pursuing a degree in digital multimedia design at the University of Northwestern Ohio. With a personality full of enthusiasm, Devin had a passion for creative pursuits, including photography, baking, and graphic design.  During the summer break between his freshman and sophomore years, Devin returned home to Fort Wayne, Indiana, feeling healthy—aside from some back pain he attributed to lifting heavy boxes. A routine visit to a local walk-in clinic, however, revealed something far more serious.

“The physician’s assistant offered to do some bloodwork,” recalled Kelly, Devin’s mom. “I figured, ‘We’re already here, so why not?’ Three days later, they called and said Devin was in critical condition and needed to go to the emergency room immediately. All his numbers were off.”

Devin was diagnosed with severe kidney disease.

“They told me I’d probably had it since I was a kid, but I never had any symptoms. And we don’t have a family history of kidney problems,” he said.

Within hours, Devin began dialysis—a treatment that would significantly alter his life for the next three and a half years. Soon he was also placed on the list for a kidney transplant, though finding a donor match proved difficult due to his blood type.

It was a grueling way to live. “He was home every night, seven nights a week, on dialysis for 14 hours,” Kelly said.

Finally, the long-awaited call came. The family immediately left home and drove two hours to IU Health in downtown Indianapolis, where Devin received the miraculous gift of a new kidney. It was a gift that brought hope for a new beginning.

After being discharged from the hospital, Devin and Kelly were grateful to have a home away from home at Fair Haven. They stayed at Fair Haven for 53 days, while Devin was closely monitored by his physician. He attended frequent clinic appointments, with long days at the hospital for infusions and lab work.

“Staying at Fair Haven has been amazing—a real blessing,” says Devin.

“It’s hard for him to find a comfortable position to rest,” Kelly shared. “At the apartment, he could sleep in the recliner, on the couch, or in the bed. Had we been in a hotel, it would have been so much more difficult. Plus, being only a mile or so from the hospital, everything was so convenient.”

Like any parent, Kelly endured her own emotional journey—watching her son navigate dialysis, then a painful and difficult transplant recovery.

“I find myself wanting to do everything for him, but I’ve had to let go of a lot of things that are just beyond my control.”

She paused, then added, “We’re just so thankful for Fair Haven. It’s been amazing and has helped us so much. I feel safe when Steve isn’t here,” she said, referring to her husband. “And everything is furnished!”

During this difficult season of their lives, both Devin and Kelly kept their wooden crosses close by, with Kelly’s in her car, and Devin’s often in his pocket. When they were finally ready to go home, Devin and Kelly shared hugs and goodbyes with their new friends at Fair Haven. Before walking out the door, Devin selected another cross from the tray.

“I think I’ll take one for [a friend],” he said.

Stepping outside, Devin closed his hand around the tiny piece of olive wood, carrying with him not just a token—but a quiet reminder of the hope he had found, and of the One who had been with him through it all.

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