The Jamaican mother of a teenager in desperate need of a new kidney has renewed her plea for a living donor to save her daughter’s life.

Arianna Crockett, a 17-year-old who was born in the United States but raised in Jamaica, is in Stage 5 kidney failure. Her condition is stable at the moment but she will require a kidney transplant, her mother Tracy Evans told Observer Online.

“She is in the final stages of testing to be placed on the transplant list through Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital / Memorial Regional,” Evans said. “Our plea is spread the word for a living donor, which is not the only option but the best option for her for survival and to avoid dialysis.”

Arianna was diagnosed with kidney disease at age six. She was being treated initially for a neurogenic bladder, having developed symptoms as early as three months old, until her family sought a second opinion and identified the kidney failure, which resulted in one of her kidneys being removed in 2016.

Arianna with mother Tracy Evans, who says her daughter has always maintained a positive spirit.

It has now been revealed that Arianna suffers from STAR syndrome, a rare condition characterised by renal anomalies and facial dysmorphism among other issues.

“Initial genetic testing was inconclusive but most recent testing revealed STAR syndrome,” Evans said.

Throughout her life, Arianna has been on consistent preventative medication, and has had to regularly visit doctors for follow-ups and testing. But despite the health challenges, she has enjoyed a normal childhood and has remained positive thanks to her strong support system.

“Being so young she didn’t really understand, but we tried to explain as best we could and always be supportive,” Evans said of Arianna, who she described as a “proud” alumni of Stella Maris prep school in St Andrew.

Arianna was diagnosed with kidney disease at age six. She developed symptoms as early as three months old.

“She has a strong village and she has always maintained a positive spirit. For me it was important to stay strong, hold on to my faith and remain hopeful so she was never afraid,” Evans continued. “Emotionally it’s always hard to see my daughter go through something this difficult. Financially it has been weighing at times but God has always covered her and made a way.”

Arianna also attended Victory Academy in Jamaica up to the ninth grade. Her family moved to the US about two years ago and Arianna is now in the 11th grade attending high school in Florida.

The teen has a new IG page, ariannaskidneyjourney, that allows the public to follow her journey and learn more about her diagnosis. The first post received a flood of comments, re-shares and prayers.

Evans said the family is “eternally grateful” for the support and is holding onto faith for a donor.

“We remain strong and trust God that there is a kidney for her,” the mother said.