Every parent’s greatest wish is for their children to be healthy and enjoy a happy childhood.
When Karen Rodas and Paul Bybkin welcomed their son Nathaniel into the world, their joy was immense but tragically brief, lasting just 36 hours. Nathaniel was born with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a condition that affects the kidneys by causing cysts to develop. Sadly, this led to kidney failure, which took Nathaniel’s life.
In 2013, the couple was blessed with a daughter, Maddy. However, their joy was tempered by fear when Maddy was diagnosed with the same condition as her brother. Her parents were devastated. Maddy’s abdomen was swollen to the point where it resembled that of a woman nine months pregnant.
This time, however, hope emerged. Maddy was given a second chance at life when her father, Paul, donated one of his kidneys to her. Before this life-saving surgery, Maddy spent much of her time in and out of hospitals, often sleeping up to 18 hours a day.
Doctors informed the family that Maddy’s chance at a normal life depended on finding a suitable donor.
Fortunately, her father was a perfect match.
“My nerves were on edge with Paul and Maddy, two of my most precious loved ones, undergoing surgery,” Karen shared with The Mirror.
The surgery was a complete success, and both Maddy and Paul recovered well.
“Paul’s kidney saved our little girl,” Karen added. “Now, she’s full of energy. Her once-swollen tummy is now just slightly rounded, and she’s a happy and healthy two-year-old.”
Paul humbly noted that he did what any father would do for his child.
“We’ve been through an emotional journey, but any father would have done the same—donating my kidney to Maddy was simply part of being a parent,” he said, according to The Mirror.
“Now we’re in a good place and can look forward to watching Maddy grow up as a happy and healthy little girl.”
While Maddy may need another transplant in 25 years, she now has many years ahead to enjoy life to the fullest.
We are overjoyed for this wonderful family and wish them continued happiness. Please share this heartwarming story with your loved ones to spread the well-wishes.