Every parent’s greatest wish is for their child to grow up healthy and happy. Karen Rodas and Paul Bybkin experienced heartbreak when their newborn son, Nathaniel, passed away just 36 hours after birth due to Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) — a condition that causes cysts to grow in the kidneys, often leading to kidney failure.
In 2013, they were blessed with a daughter, Maddy. Sadly, she was born with the same condition. Her belly was extremely swollen, and she spent much of her early life in and out of hospitals, sleeping up to 18 hours a day.
Doctors said her only chance at living a normal life was a kidney transplant. Thankfully, her father Paul was a perfect match and didn’t hesitate to donate one of his kidneys to save his daughter’s life.
The surgery was a complete success. Maddy recovered well and quickly turned into a joyful, energetic two-year-old. Her large belly became almost normal, and her parents were finally able to breathe again.
Paul said he only did what any father would do — giving his child a chance to live. While Maddy may need another transplant in the future, she now has many happy years ahead of her. We’re so happy for this brave and loving family, and we wish them a life full of joy and good health.
