A Salem State University student needs a kidney transplant, but that's not the only challenge he overcomes daily.
Nick Jarvis of Middleton, Massachusetts is autistic but he's living out his dream by attending college and managing the baseball team.
He describes his teammates as his brothers.
"[They are] a lot of them are fun to be around," Jarvis said.
Jarvis is entering his third season as team manager thanks to a program called "You're With Us."
"It's definitely a great program," said his teammate Madock Fisher. "It's connected me with Nicky and has connected other people with other teams."
"You're With Us" is an organization that connects teens and college students with disabilities with a college sports team or other groups, making them feel a sense of belonging.
Local
In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area.
It's an organization that's given Jarvis a band of brothers, who he'll need to rely on after learning he needs a kidney transplant.
"I was nervous," said Jarvis about learning of the transplant.
He spends 11 hours each night hooked up to a dialysis machine.
"I'd rather not do it at all but if it's going to help then, great," he said.
His kidneys function at 13 percent, while his family is hoping to find a living donor.
"All of us and our family got tested," said his mother Jodi Jarvis.
Jarvis' dad passed all but one final test forcing them to cancel the surgery they dreamed of.
"It was hard," said his mother. "It was a really hard time."
Jarvis' family is searching for a donor and partnered with the Children's Organ Transplant Association.
"The money is strictly used for Nick, only Nick, only for kidney-related expenses," said his mother.
The fund also assures that Jarvis will never go without health insurance but his mom said the immediate need is a new kidney.
"It's about raising awareness," she said. "You have two kidneys, share your spare."
Until they find a donor Jarvis said he'll continue living out his dream.
"Enjoy your life, the precious moments you have," said Jarvis, reading a famous quote that he lives by.
To help Jarvis or learn more click here or reach out by email at Pickteamnick@gmail.com
