Utah Teen Returns To School with Retired Army Major Monica Leger’s Donated Kidney

https://ksltv.com/670737/sevier-county-teen-celebrates-going-back-to-school-after-life-saving-kidney-transplant/

One family from knows the drive to Salt Lake City all too well, having made it countless times for their son’s medical care.

“I tried to go back to swim practice, but then I started blacking out,” said Henry Coulter.

Henry, who thrives in the water, has been battling kidney issues since infancy. His father, Matthew Coulter, had previously donated a kidney to him.

“I knew Henry would need multiple transplants because transplanted kidneys inevitably fail over time,” said his mother, Alisa Coulter.

As Henry grew older, his kidney function deteriorated, sapping his energy. His routine became grueling. “I would wake up at 4 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to go to Salt Lake City,” Henry recalled. “My dad drove while I slept. We’d go to the Primary Children’s dialysis center for a three-and-a-half-hour session. The whole process drained me—physically, emotionally, and socially.”

His swim coach, Staci Kling, noted the impact on Henry’s life. “When he couldn’t swim last year, it devastated him and his friends.”

Fortunately, a collaboration between the Intermountain Sevier Valley and Primary Children’s teams allowed Henry to receive dialysis closer to home in Richfield. “I was able to go to Prom and hang out with my friends,” Henry said.

Despite extensive searches, a matching kidney donor had not been found. Then, retired Army National Guard Major Monica Leger stepped forward, determined to help.

“For months, I underwent every test imaginable,” Leger shared. When the Coulters contacted her and confirmed the match, they were thrilled. “She told me I had a good kidney,” Henry said. “It had been through boot camp twice, completed a marathon, and traveled all over the world.”

Leger even got a tattoo marking the occasion, featuring an “H” for Henry at the center. “I’m so happy that now Henry has more choices for his future,” she said.

With Leger’s gift, Henry is back in the pool and ready to make up for lost time. “I’m working out the cobwebs, but I’m excited to be with my teammates again,” Kling said.

Henry’s love for the water remains strong. “I just love it so much,” he said. While swim practice doesn’t resume until October, he’s focused on regaining his strength in the meantime.