LYNDZI’S STORY
Our miraculous relationship with Children’s Miracle Health Care System began in December of 2016 when our youngest daughter Lyndzi, Noelle visited her doctor for a 5 year Well Check. Upon the pediatrician’s examination, she observed our daughters blood pressure was slightly elevated. She cautiously advised us to return with Lyndzi in exactly 7 days to measure Lyndzi’ blood pressure once more. We unassumingly returned to discover her blood pressure was still dangerously above normal for her age. The doctor inquisitively continued her examination by requesting an urine sample. The sample returned with a high level of protein within her urine. She directed to have lab work and to visit a Nephrologist (kidney specialist). After carefully examining Lyndzi, taking a urine sample and reading her lab work the nephrologist advised us to take Lyndzi to the emergency room immediately. She was admitted for 4 days, from December 20-24, 2016. Not knowing what was causing the kidney failure they simply treated her high blood pressure. She did not have any other symptoms and when her blood pressure was medicinally titrated down to a safe level she was discharged. Of all the testing done during the admittance none of the results lead to discovering the cause of the kidney damage. We were scared, blindsided and completely at a loss of words.
Lyndzi continued her monthly checkups with the kidney specialist for the next three months (January-March). Her levels remained elevated but stable until finally in March we started noticing a change. Edema of the upper and lower abdomen began to show. To arrive at a conclusion of the cause, a biopsy was scheduled during her March doctor’s visit. Lyndzi was admitted for what we thought would be two days. One for the biopsy and the other for observation. “We” were admitted on March 15 and were discharged on May 8, 2017. It was a long and unexpected stay to say the least. Full of tears, anger, anxiety, resentment, enlightenment, growth, joy, love, patience, laughs, The Spirit of the True and Living God and memories created to last for generations to come. During the course of our stay, Lyndzi was under anesthesia 4 times, averaging a surgical procedure about every 14 days. After innumerable tests, including genetic testing the decision was made in April to have a double nephrectomy and remove of both of Lyndzi’s kidneys. On Wednesday, May 8, Lyndzi was discharged to outpatient dialysis at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. In between 2 Ronald McDonald houses and our home, by the grace of Almighty God we maintained a grueling three to four day a week dialysis schedule with two other homeschoolers in tow. Learning the ropes of pediatric dialysis wasn’t easy or enjoyable. In fact it was a mini nightmare. But in the next breath, dialysis spared her life.
Children’s National made such an impact in our life at that time. The doctors were amazing, the nurses and staff were exceptional, the social worker was incredibly supportive. We are eternally grateful for such an organization and staff, helping to guide us through the most troubling experience of our lives to date. The Children’s Miracle Network assisted us with clear directions and instructions helping us to navigate through seamlessly. Children’s Hospital of Washington D.C. is where Lyndzi ultimately received her kidney transplant on July 27, 2017. She is currently monitored carefully by the doctor’s at Children’s National. Any organization whose sole purpose is to care for children, deserve all of our support and recognition.
With the unyielding support, love and prayers of our parents Benjamin, Debra Kidwell and Rose Smith we were able to move on through. Not to mention a loving and prayerful church family in Christ Chapel of Woodbridge, VA. You were truly the eyes, hands and feet of our Lord Jesus. To our extended family and friends, many new and old, your care, love and support towards us will live on in our hearts. We
will never forget. Thank you!
CMN WRITE UP Charity and Community
More than 10 million kids enter a children’s hospital like Children’s National Health System across North America every year. To provide the best care for kids, children’s hospitals rely on donations and community support, as Medicaid and insurance programs do not fully cover the cost of care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has helped fill those funding gaps by raising more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through Miracle Balloon icon campaigns. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.
RE/MAX & Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
For over 20 years, RE/MAX Affiliates like my brokerage RE/MAX Gateway have helped kids get the care they need at local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, mostly by making donations after each closed transaction. The Team at Premier League Homes has been lead to donate $100 after each purchase and sale. Each donation is made in the purchasing or selling families honor. An Honor Card is sent to the family letting them know that we have made a donation to our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in their name.
