Tillie Explains

Tillie Explains: Having a Kidney Transplant

A gentle, reassuring guide to help children understand kidney transplants - created especially for families affected by Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome (BORS).

When a child needs a kidney transplant, the experience can feel confusing and overwhelming. Children often have questions about dialysis, surgery, recovery, and lifelong medicines, while parents may struggle to explain complex medical care in a way that feels safe and comforting. Tillie Explains: Having a Kidney Transplant was created to make this journey easier to understand for young children and the people who care for them.

Through friendly illustrations and simple, carefully chosen language, Tillie the Dog gently guides children through every step of the transplant journey. She explains what kidneys do, why some children need extra support, what happens in hospital, how surgery works, and what recovery looks like - all in a warm, reassuring tone designed to reduce fear and build confidence.

This book is especially supportive for children with Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome (BORS), a rare condition in which kidney differences may be part of a child's health story. Whether a child is preparing for a transplant, recovering afterward, or simply learning how their body works, Tillie offers honesty, encouragement, and hope.

Inside this book, children will learn:

• What kidneys do and why we need them

• Why some children with BORS need kidney support

• What kidney failure means

• The two types of dialysis, explained simply

• What happens before transplant day

• What to expect during surgery

• How the body heals afterward

• Why anti-rejection medicines are important

• How to stay healthy with a suppressed immune system

• Ways to feel confident, supported, and strong

Families, teachers, hospitals, and allied health professionals can use this book to open conversations, ease fears, and support children through big emotions. Its calm, child-friendly approach makes it ideal for shared reading, early readers, and educational or clinical settings.

Perfect for:

• Children with Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome (BORS)

• Kids preparing for or recovering from a kidney transplant

• Siblings who want to understand what's happening

• Classrooms, counsellors, and child-life specialists

• Paediatric hospitals, clinics, and support groups

• Families seeking an honest, gentle explanation of medical care

More than a medical story, this book is a companion. It validates children's feelings, answers their questions with kindness, and helps them see themselves as strong, capable, and supported.

Part of the Tillie Explains™ Series

The Tillie Explains™ books help children understand health, feelings, and medical experiences with warmth, clarity, and care, including Tillie Explains: What Is BORS?, Tillie Explains: Oto Means Ears, and other titles supporting children with rare conditions.

Tillie's message for every child:

You are strong. You are brave. You are important. And you never have to face this journey alone.

© 2025 Fiona Cain. All rights reserved. Published by the BORS Education Centre™. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission. Protected under the Berne Convention.