When Karen Rodas and Paul Rybkin welcomed their son Nathaniel into the world, their joy turned to heartbreak within just 36 hours. He tragically passed away due to Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) — a rare genetic disorder that causes cysts to grow on the kidneys and can lead to complete kidney failure.
Determined to grow their family, the New Jersey couple later gave birth to their daughter, Maddy, in 2013. But fate struck again — Maddy was diagnosed with the same life-threatening condition.
🚨 Maddy’s Health Declined Rapidly
For the first 18 months of her life, Maddy’s childhood was far from ordinary. Hospital visits, oxygen tubes, and feeding complications became the norm. Her belly swelled painfully as her kidneys began to fail. Her energy vanished. She slept up to 18 hours a day and could barely keep food down.
Doctors warned her parents — without a life-saving kidney transplant, she might not survive.
💉 A Father’s Gift: Life
In a miraculous twist, Maddy’s father Paul was identified as a perfect match. Without hesitation, he offered his kidney to save his daughter’s life.
“With Paul and Maddy, two of my most precious souls, going under the knife, my nerves were a wreck,” Karen shared.
The kidney transplant surgery was a complete success. Maddy not only survived — she began to thrive.
🌈 A Bright New Chapter Begins
“Daddy’s kidney has saved our little girl,” Karen said joyfully. “Now, she has boundless energy. Her massive tummy now just looks a little bit rounded and she is a happy and healthy two-year-old.”
Paul, ever humble, said he simply did what any father would do.
“It’s part of being a parent,” he said. “We’ve been on a rollercoaster — but now we’re on a high.”
Today, Maddy is a bright, thriving 9-year-old, recently celebrating her birthday and preparing for a future her family once feared she might never see.
💡 A Powerful Reminder About Organ Donation
Maddy’s story is a reminder of the power of organ donation and the incredible strength of family support. While she may need another transplant in 25 years, her parents are grateful for the time they now have — filled with birthdays, milestones, and laughter.
🏥 Key Information for Families Facing PKD
-
Pediatric kidney transplants can be covered by health insurance or Medicaid, especially when early diagnosis is made.
-
Living organ donation is often more successful and offers shorter recovery times.
-
Polycystic Kidney Disease can be passed down genetically — early screening is crucial for at-risk families.
🙌 Help Us Celebrate Maddy
If this story touched your heart, share it to spread awareness about organ donation, and help us wish this brave little girl a very happy 9th birthday! 🎉
