When Karen Rodas and Paul Rybkin lost their first child, Nathaniel, to a rare kidney condition, they never imagined that their second child would face a similar fate. But in 2013, their daughter Maddy was born with the same condition, Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), which causes cysts to grow in the kidneys and can lead to kidney failure.
Maddy’s early life was marked by frequent hospital visits, tubes, and oxygen treatments. Despite these challenges, she seemed to be doing okay until her health took a turn for the worse. She became increasingly lethargic, sleeping up to 18 hours a day, and suffered from constant vomiting.
Doctors warned that Maddy’s condition was critical, and a suitable kidney donor was urgently needed to save her life. That’s when Paul, Maddy’s father, stepped forward and offered to donate one of his kidneys to his daughter.
The surgery was a success, and both Paul and Maddy recovered well. Karen, Maddy’s mother, was overwhelmed with emotion, saying, “Daddy’s kidney has saved our little girl. Now, she has boundless energy, and her massive tummy now just looks a little bit rounded. She’s a happy and healthy two-year-old.”
Paul, however, remained humble, saying that he would have done what any other parent would do in his situation. “It’s part of being a parent,” he said.
Thanks to Paul’s selfless act, Maddy is now thriving. She will need another kidney transplant in 25 years, but for her parents, that feels like a lifetime away. For now, they’re just grateful to see their daughter grow up as a happy and healthy little girl.
Maddy’s journey is a testament to the power of love and sacrifice. Her story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope, and that the bond between a parent and child can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
