CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The last week of April is considered National Pediatric Transplant Week, and one Boone family is very thankful knowing their little one has the gift of life.

On dialysis since birth, 2.5-year-old Levi Boyter received a kidney this past January from his Uncle Joel.

“In order to thrive, in order to really develop and grow - they need a transplant," said Levine Children's Hospital pediatric nephrologist Dr. Jack Weaver.

At a check-up Wednesday, mom Danielle Boyter stressed the importance of living donors.

"I know Joel loves Levi, and it brought peace of mind knowing we had this taken care of,” said Danielle Boyter. “There's no way to ever repay someone for such a big, selfless gift."

“It's amazing, it's been cool to get updates," said Joel Broyter. "It's been a huge change in their [Levi's parents] lives not having to do dialysis."

According to Donate Life America, more than 1,800 children received transplants last year.