When Karen Rodas and Paul Rybkin’s son Nathaniel was born, he lived only 36 hours due to Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a condition that causes cysts in the kidneys and can lead to failure.
In 2013, their daughter Maddy was born with the same disease. Her stomach swelled, and she spent much of her early life in and out of the hospital. Despite treatments, her health declined—she was exhausted, slept up to 18 hours a day, and vomited constantly. Doctors warned she might not survive without a kidney transplant.
Thankfully, her father Paul was a match. Both underwent surgery, and the operation was a success. “Daddy’s kidney has saved our little girl,” Karen said. “Now she has boundless energy and is a happy, healthy child.”
Paul said he simply did what any parent would. “We’ve been on a rollercoaster, but now we can watch Maddy grow up as a happy and healthy little girl.”
Maddy may need another transplant in 25 years, but for her parents, that feels like a lifetime away. Her family continues to share updates, celebrating her milestones and health today.