Family suffering from rare disease seeks organ donors
ABC 27 WHTM | By Dave Marcheskie
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) - Sarah Lathrop hears all the time how she looks healthy, but the 37-year-old has a unique weight loss goal.
"I'm hoping to lose 25 pounds," she said with a laugh.
Losing weight would save Lathrop's life, but not for the reason one might think.
Understanding the reason begins with her father, Steve.
During a basketball game, Steve Lathrop was elbowed in the side. During testing, doctors discovered his kidney was covered in cysts. He was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease, or PKD, a rare disease that shuts down kidney function.
After battling the disease for years, doctors in 1999 told Steve that he needed to find a live kidney donor. Naturally, he turned to his family.
"It was discovered that my siblings and I all had Polycystic Kidney Disease as well," Sarah Lathrop said. "We were not able to give him a kidney, but it turned out my mom was a match, so she donated a kidney to my dad."
Sarah and brothers Jeff and John all struggle with PKD. In July, Jeff's college roommate stepped up and donated a kidney to the 41-year-old. He is regaining his strength and health.
According to Sarah, Jeff lost 25 pounds; the reason for her weight loss goal.
"I'm hoping to lose 25 pounds," she said with a laugh.
Losing weight would save Lathrop's life, but not for the reason one might think.
Understanding the reason begins with her father, Steve.
During a basketball game, Steve Lathrop was elbowed in the side. During testing, doctors discovered his kidney was covered in cysts. He was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease, or PKD, a rare disease that shuts down kidney function.
After battling the disease for years, doctors in 1999 told Steve that he needed to find a live kidney donor. Naturally, he turned to his family.
"It was discovered that my siblings and I all had Polycystic Kidney Disease as well," Sarah Lathrop said. "We were not able to give him a kidney, but it turned out my mom was a match, so she donated a kidney to my dad."
Sarah and brothers Jeff and John all struggle with PKD. In July, Jeff's college roommate stepped up and donated a kidney to the 41-year-old. He is regaining his strength and health.
According to Sarah, Jeff lost 25 pounds; the reason for her weight loss goal.
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"You have the power to SAVE lives."
To register as a donor TODAY
In California:
www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org | www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org
Outside California:
www.organdonor.gov | www.donatelife.net
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