A Brave Boy

His parents call him a typical seven-year-old boy. He loves swimming, playing soccer, riding his bike, going to Sunday school, and playing with his friends. But for this little boy, life has gotten much more complicated. He has membranoproliferativeglomerulonephritis or MPGN--a huge word for such a little boy.

MPGN is a very rare, progressive, and incurable form of kidney disease. In this particular case, it is classified as idiopathic, meaning doctors don't know the exact cause. Two weeks prior, he had a strep throat infection. After treating it with a round of antibiotics, the infection returned. This time, however, it was much more aggressive. The family doctor told Mom and Dad that he hadn't been given the correct dosage of antibiotics. He was only given a five-day course instead of a ten-day course. Doctors can't confirm if this was the exact cause of his current condition, but problems with his kidneys started at the same time--cola-colored urine, high fever, severe chest pain.

Since a large percentage of MPGN patients progress to end stage renal failure within ten years, several steps are being taken to help keep him healthy as long as possible. He now takes large doses of prednisone, lisinopril, coromega, probiotics, ranitidine, and COQ10. He will continue to take some form of each medicine throughout his life. Because of the amount of prednisone he takes, his blood sugar also needs to be checked four times a day. His diet has also changed. He eats low-sodium foods and mostly organic, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Currently, the family--Mom, Dad, older sister, and twin brother--does what is best for him because it's what's best for all of them. They encourage him to take his prescribed medicines, eat healthy, exercise, and most importantly, keep life as simple and normal as possible. They also travel four hours from home to Sioux Falls once a month to see the only pediatric nephrologist in the state. Here, he undergoes more blood and urine tests.

It's during these monthly visits that we've gotten to know this family. They are amazing! We love that staying with us is such a treat for him. He calls this his "Dream House." These appointments are not fun for him, but the thought of staying at the house is worth it to him. He loves it and tells everyone! He is a brave little man who we are all proud to know.

A big thanks to our family for sharing their story! We appreciate their help and input.