When Karen Rodas and Paul Rybkin welcomed their son Nathaniel into the world, their joy was heartbreakingly short-lived—he survived just 36 hours.
Nathaniel was born with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a rare condition that causes cysts to develop in the kidneys, often leading to kidney failure.
Determined to grow their family, the New Jersey couple had another child in 2013, a baby girl named Maddy. But heartbreak struck again—she was diagnosed with the same condition.
For the first 18 months of her life, Maddy endured constant hospital visits, tubes, and oxygen treatments as her swollen stomach bore the effects of her failing kidneys. Despite everything, she fought on—until her health took a drastic turn for the worse.
Maddy became so weak that she could barely stay awake, sleeping up to 18 hours a day and suffering from relentless vomiting. As her condition worsened, doctors feared she wouldn’t survive unless a suitable kidney donor was found in time.
A Life-Saving Gift
In an incredible stroke of hope, Maddy’s father Paul was identified as a perfect match. Without hesitation, he stepped up to donate his kidney, giving his daughter the chance at life she so desperately needed.
“With Paul and Maddy, two of my most precious souls, going under the knife, my nerves were a wreck,” Karen shared, as reported by The Mirror.
Thankfully, the surgery was a success, and both father and daughter recovered well.
“Daddy’s kidney has saved our little girl,” Karen said. “Now, she has boundless energy. Her once massive tummy is now just a little rounded, and she is a happy, healthy two-year-old.”
Paul, ever humble, insisted he did what any parent would do.
A Bright Future Ahead
“We’ve been through a rollercoaster,” Paul reflected, “but any father would have done the same—donating my kidney to Maddy was just part of being a parent.”
Now, the family is enjoying life with a thriving, energetic little girl.
“Now we’re on a high, watching Maddy grow up as a happy and healthy child,” he said.
Though Maddy will eventually need another transplant in about 25 years, for her parents, that milestone feels like a lifetime away.
Her mom continues to share updates on Maddy’s journey, celebrating each milestone. It’s truly heartwarming to see how well she’s doing today.
A Reason to Celebrate
Please join us in sending love and best wishes to Maddy for a long, happy, and healthy life!
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