SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — The Randolph family is in a desperate race against time as they seek a kidney donor for their 3-year-old son, Lincoln, whose kidneys have completely failed. Despite his condition, Lincoln remains an energetic and spirited child.

“Anything he shouldn’t be doing he likes to do, especially when you tell him not to,” said Lincoln’s father. “He would never think that he’s not supposed to be doing these things. But he also will be the class clown, yeah, for sure.”

Lincoln’s mother, Gabi Randolph, explained the severity of his condition. “He was 100% stage five kidney failure. We’re doing dialysis, which has been incredible to make him have the energy he has now, which basically cleans everything up in the meantime that his body doesn’t filter throughout the day,” she said.

The family has spent months in and out of the hospital, waiting for a perfect match for Lincoln. “He knows he needs a kidney, but he also thinks we can just go buy one,” Gabi said. “It’s the ignorance is bliss, but then also, he’s very aware of a lot of the things that are going on right now.”

Lincoln’s story has gained attention online and through billboards across Springfield. “I’ve been very open, open book about this situation, because there is a need. We need help. We need a kidney,” Gabi said. “And it doesn’t even necessarily matter if it’s the same blood type as him, we’re asking just anybody, if you feel the pull, like if you feel that you want to do this. And not only for Lincoln, but for anybody.”

The Randolphs are grateful for the support they have received. “I mean, I can’t tell you how many people I don’t even know have reached out and said they’re praying for us, and it’s meant that the world,” Lincoln’s father said. “You realize kind of how good the world really is when unfortunately going through a tragedy, but just how many people really do truly care.”

For those interested in seeing if they might be a match for Lincoln, you can call the living donor hotline at St. Louis Children’s Hospital to see if you might be a match: 314-362-5365 and ask to be tested as a living donor for Lincoln Randolph: Birthday 9/11/2021