Walking is back for kidney health and one family has a special reason to celebrate.

BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) – Sunday was a very special day for the Ruffat family.

“My son Pierce, it’s his third birthday.” Pierce’s father, Izzy Rufat, said.

There was cake, cookies and matching t-shirts for family and friends. Pierce Rufat’s parents say these first three years of life are worth every little celebration.

“He has been a kidney transplant recipient since last December,” Rufat said. “His first birthday since the transplant. He’s on a kidney walk today.”

Dozens of people participated in The Walk for Kidney Health. A special day for kidney recipients, donors, families and friends to come together to educate and support people around them.

“Yes, it’s a town of good neighbors,” Rufat said. “You know we’ve been through some dark times and I think the city of Buffalo and all the people here will just come together and support us.”

Pierce’s mother, Valerie Ruffat, told 7 News there are some things in life you just can’t plan for.

“When we heard the word transplant, we didn’t know what that meant, what it would be like for our family,” Rufat said. “I don’t think you know these things until you go through them.”

Rufat said she was pregnant when she found out her son had a long medical journey ahead of him. Pierce started dialysis when he was just a month old, she said.

We had to travel to Pittsburgh to get his dad’s kidney.

“It was an easy decision to donate a kidney to your son,” Rufat said.

Rufat said it was a very exciting day when he found out it was a match.

“As a father, give your child a better life and give him a long life with good kidneys,” Rufat said.

“We can’t even go with him now,” Rufat said. “He’s running around, climbing the playground, swimming in the pool. He’s doing great.”

In a day filled with other stories about loved ones who have lost their lives to kidney disease, Rufat’s family is grateful to celebrate the life ahead.

“Not everyone can donate a kidney,” Rufat said. “It should be a good match and, aside from the circumstances, it was a perfect match. So, we’re very grateful for that.”