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.
______________________________________________________ 
"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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