Little girl who looked 8 months’ pregnant because of deadly disease is saved thanks to dad’s kidney donation

Every parent’s biggest dream is for their kids to be healthy and have a joyful childhood.

When Karen Rodas and Paul Bybkin became parents to their son Nathaniel, their joy was short-lived, lasting only 36 hours because that’s how long he lived. He was born with a condition called Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), which affects the kidneys and causes cysts to form. Sadly, this usually results in kidney failure, and that’s what happened to baby Nathaniel.

In 2013, they were excited to welcome a daughter, Maddy. Unfortunately, their worst fear came true. Maddy was born with the same illness as her brother who had passed away, leaving her mom and dad heartbroken. The little girl’s belly was so swollen that it looked like a 9-month pregnant woman.

This time, however, things took a turn for the better and Maddy was given a second chance for life all thanks to her daddy who gave her one of his kidneys.

Before this important surgery happened, kind Maddy was often in and out of hospitals and would sometimes sleep for as long as 18 hours a day.

The doctors told the family that for Maddy to have a chance at being a normal kid, they needed to find a good donor.

Fortunately, her dad was a perfect match!

“With Paul and Maddy, two of my most beloved people, going into surgery, I was really nervous,” Karen shared, as reported by The Mirror.

The surgery went really well, and both Maddy and Paul healed perfectly.

“Daddy’s kidney has saved our little girl,” Karen said. “Now, she has so much energy. Her big tummy just looks a bit round, and she is a joyful and healthy two-year-old.”

Paul thinks he just did what any dad would do for their child.

“We’ve been through a lot – but any father would have done what I did, giving my kidney to Maddy. It’s what being a parent is all about,” he mentioned, as reported by The Mirror.

“Now we’re feeling great and can see Maddy grow up as a happy and healthy little girl.”

She might need another transplant surgery in about 25 years, but until then, she has many years ahead to enjoy life to the fullest.

We are really happy for this wonderful family and hope they find all the joy life can offer. Share this beautiful story with your family and friends to wish them well too.

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