In a small Michigan town, Milan, located between Ann Arbor and Toledo, Ohio, an incredible story has emerged.

 

The Rhoads, mom Vanessa and dad Aaron did an amazing thing, and totally out of love for their children. They each donated a kidney to one of their children.

Birmingham Hospital Conducts Kidney Transplant
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
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Their story began in 2018 when their son Channing was diagnosed before birth, with a rare genetic disorder, autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD).

That was not good news for the family since only one of every four children born with the disease make it out of the first month. It was so hard on Channing, but he did, however, at three months he had a stroke and by his first year, needed a kidney transplant. Where would they find one? No problem, dad Aaron donated his.

Birmingham Hospital Conducts Kidney Transplant
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
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In the meantime, mom, Vanessa, found out she was pregnant with child number two, a girl they would name Everly. Everly was diagnosed with the exact same disease as Channing.

They moved forward because nothing was going to hold them back. After Everly was born the same things were happening to her that Channing went through and they knew that she, too, would need a kidney transplant. Where would it come from? Mom Vanessa, of course.

Fox17 reported that for now the kids are doing remarkably well, as are mom and dad. Of course it's a long recovery, constant blood checks for the kids, and taking medication for the rest of their lives.

Fox17/WXYZ Detroit
Fox17/WXYZ Detroit
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But the question lingers, will their kidneys last for the rest of their lives? No, not really. They can live between 15 and 20 years before they will need another transplant, and with this disease they each will very likely need three transplants in their lifetime.

For now, however, Channing and Everly are thriving and all because of the love of a  mother and father.

If you would like to register to become an organ donor in Michigan, visit registerme.org/campaign/mi.

 

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