When Karen Rodas and Paul Rybkin’s son Nathaniel was born he lived for just 36 hours.He was born with a rare condition called Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) which causes cysts to grow in the kidneys which can lead to kidney failure.

The New Jersey couple had another child in 2013 Maddy who had the same condition as the couple’s first child but after a two-year struggle with the disease this little girl was given a lifeline – thanks to her dad.

Maddy Rbykin’s condition had caused her stomach to swell and for the first 18 months of her life she was in and out of hospital.

Despite the hospital visits, tubes and oxygen treatments Maddy was doing okay, until her health started to deteriorate.Maddy was completely drained of energy, sleeping up to 18 hours a day and constantly vomiting, according to The Mirror. Read more below

Paul Rybkin knew he had to do something to save his daughter’s life. After undergoing a series of tests, he discovered that he was a match to donate one of his kidneys to Maddy. Without hesitation, he made the decision to undergo surgery to give his daughter a chance at a better life.

The kidney transplant was a success, and Maddy’s health began to improve almost immediately. Her stomach stopped swelling, and she was able to eat and drink without any issues. Her energy levels increased, and she was finally able to enjoy being a normal, happy little girl.

Karen Rodas and Paul Rybkin were overwhelmed with gratitude for the gift that Paul had given to their daughter. They knew that without his selfless act, Maddy may not have survived. The couple hopes that by sharing their story, they can raise awareness about PKD and the importance of organ donation.

Maddy’s journey has been a difficult one, but thanks to her dad’s incredible act of love, she now has a chance at a healthy future. The family is now looking forward to creating new memories together, free from the constant worry and fear that plagued them for so long.

The bond between a parent and child is a powerful one, and Paul Rybkin’s willingness to sacrifice his own health for the sake of his daughter is a testament to that. Maddy will always carry a piece of her dad with her, both literally and figuratively, and their connection will only continue to grow stronger as she grows older.

This heartwarming story serves as a reminder of the incredible things that can happen when love, determination, and selflessness come together. Maddy’s life has been forever changed, all thanks to the unwavering love of her dad.