Every parent’s greatest wish is for their children to be healthy and enjoy a happy childhood.
For Karen Rodas and Paul Bybkin, that joy was tragically short-lived when their son Nathaniel was born. Despite their initial happiness, their baby boy passed away after just 36 hours due to Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a condition that causes cysts to develop in the kidneys, often leading to kidney failure. The loss of Nathaniel was devastating for the couple.
In 2013, they welcomed a daughter, Maddy. To their heartbreak, Maddy was also diagnosed with the same condition as her late brother. Her belly swelled to the size of a woman nine months pregnant, and the outlook seemed grim.
But this time, there was hope. Maddy’s life was saved, thanks to a kidney donation from her father, Paul. Before this life-saving surgery, Maddy spent most of her time in and out of hospitals, often sleeping up to 18 hours a day due to her illness.
Doctors told the family that Maddy’s chance at a normal life hinged on finding a suitable donor. In a stroke of good fortune, Paul was a perfect match.
“With Paul and Maddy, two of my most precious souls, undergoing surgery, I was a nervous wreck,” Karen shared, according to The Mirror.
The surgery was a complete success, and both Maddy and Paul made a full recovery.
“Daddy’s kidney has saved our little girl,” Karen said. “Now, she’s full of energy. Her once massive tummy is now just slightly rounded, and she’s a happy and healthy two-year-old.”
Paul downplayed his heroism, stating that he simply did what any father would do.
“We’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster, but any father would have done what I did—donating my kidney to Maddy. It’s just part of being a parent,” he said, according to The Mirror.
“Now, we’re on a high, and we can watch Maddy grow up as a happy and healthy little girl.”
While Maddy may need another transplant in about 25 years, she now has many years ahead to enjoy life to the fullest.
We’re overjoyed for this beautiful family and wish them all the happiness in the world. Share this heartwarming story with your loved ones to spread joy and well-being.
Love and peace.
