Every parent’s greatest wish is for their child to be healthy and live a happy life. Karen Rodas and Paul Bybkin experienced heartbreak when their newborn son, Nathaniel, passed away just 36 hours after birth due to Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a condition that causes cysts on the kidneys and often leads to kidney failure.
In 2013, their joy returned with the birth of their daughter, Maddy. Sadly, she was diagnosed with the same disease as her brother. Her belly became so swollen it resembled that of a nine-months-pregnant woman. Doctors told the family that her survival depended on finding a matching kidney donor.

Miraculously, her father Paul was a match. He donated one of his kidneys to save her life. Before the transplant, Maddy spent most of her time sleeping and in hospitals. After the surgery, everything changed.
“The surgery was a success,” said Karen. “Now she has energy and is a healthy, happy two-year-old.”
Paul humbly added, “Any father would do what I did.”
Though Maddy may need another transplant in 25 years, she now has the chance to live life fully.
We’re so happy for this beautiful family—please share their inspiring story and spread hope.