In New Jersey, a family faced a heartbreaking challenge when their son Nathaniel passed away just 36 hours after birth due to a rare condition known as Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). This disease causes cysts to form in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure.
The couple, Karen Rodas and Paul Rybkin, faced this sorrow again when their daughter Maddy was born with the same condition in 2013. Despite the difficult start, battling the disease for two years, Maddy found hope through her father’s incredible act of love.
Maddy’s journey was tough, with her condition causing her belly to swell and numerous hospital visits marking her early months. Despite the treatments, Maddy’s health worsened, leaving her exhausted and sick, to the point where doctors feared for her life without a kidney transplant.
That’s when her father, Paul, stepped in as a compatible donor, offering his own kidney to save his daughter’s life. The surgery was a success, transforming Maddy into an energetic and happy two-year-old, much to the relief and joy of her parents.
Karen expressed her gratitude, stating how Paul’s kidney has rejuvenated their daughter, allowing her to live a normal life. Paul, in a humble tone, mentioned that he did what any parent would do, emphasizing the importance of family and the lengths to which parents will go for their children’s well-being.
As Maddy continues to grow, her family is optimistic, knowing she will need another transplant in about 25 years, a thought they consider far off, focusing instead on the present joy of her recovery. The family shares Maddy’s progress online, celebrating each milestone in her journey towards health and happiness.
Their story just shows the power of parental love and the miracles of modern medicine.
