LIBERTY, Ohio - A Liberty High School student is now recovering after receiving a life changing surgery.

Last week, Zak Stevens and his family got the call they have been waiting years to receive - a kidney was finally available.

Steven's family immediately headed towards Cincinatti Children's Hospital where Stevens underwent transplant surgery the very next morning.

The family shared with school officials that the transplant team spent six hours completing the surgery. And, while the transplant was not a 'textbook case' Stevens is in recovery and heading in the right direction.

“This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” Zak Stevens shared with school officials over the phone from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

“I would like to thank everyone at the school for their compassion, support and care of Zak through the years,” said Zak's mother, Mara Stevens.

It was about ten years ago when Zak first started developing kidney issues. He was just eight years old at the time. 

In 2019, his condition worsened. The school showed support for Zak by creating T-shirts that said 'Zak Strong' and raising money for the family.

Zak has undergone a total of nine surgeries, including the transplant, in just the past two and a half years. 

This latest surgery is expected to dramatically improve his quality of life.

Friends and well-wishers can send Zac an encouraging message through this link.