Trump Offers Help to Boy Seeking Kidney to Save His Father's Life

03_28_18_TrumpKidney
President Donald Trump signs a proclamation in Washington, D.C., on December 6, 2017, as Vice President Mike Pence looks on. SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

Donald Trump seems to have broken from his day-to-day routine as president for an act of kindness—responding to a letter from an 8-year-old boy pleading for help with getting a kidney for his father suffering from complete renal failure.

Related: Donald Trump stops Melania from falling in public show of affection

Fore Putnam of Burke County, North Carolina, had prayed every night for a kidney for his father, Trae Putman, and followed his grandmother's advice to write letters, according to a Facebook post by Amy Elliott Tuesday night. He wrote to Santa Clause, first daughter Ivanka Trump and the president.

An 8-year old Burke County boy only wanted one thing for Christmas last year. A kidney for his dad.Fore Putnam’s dad,...

Posted by Amy Estridge on Tuesday, March 27, 2018

This week, Fore heard back from none other than the president.

"I am so sorry to hear that your dad is going through a difficult time. It is clear that you care so much for him. I have shared your letter with my staff, and they are working to see what help they can provide," the letter, dated March 16 and seemingly signed by the president, states.

"I can tell you that you are a brave young man with a big heart," the letter continues. "I admire your determination to make sure your dad has the support and resources he needs to feel better. I hope you know how much joy and encouragement you already bring to him."

The letter ends by assuring Fore that he and his father were in the president and first lady Melania Trump's thoughts and prayers. Trae Putman has a rare blood disease and has been on dialysis for close to three years, according to the Facebook post. He is on a waiting list for a kidney donor.

The public post, which had about 200 shares as of Wednesday morning, asked that Facebook users refrain from political comments on either side.

"If an 8-year old can garner the attention of the President, maybe we can increase awareness and get Trae the kidney he so desperately needs," the post states.

To help the family, contact Trae Putman's mother, Shelia Sherrill, at 828-291-7735.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


 A Los Angeles native, Jessica Kwong grew up speaking Spanish, Cantonese and English, in that order. Her journalism career started ... Read more

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go