On March 21st 2012, we received the gift of becoming grandparents to our beautiful and extremely intelligent granddaughter Alexys Grace Mejia. At that same time, we also received the most heartbreaking information that when Alexys was born, she experienced kidney failure and had respiratory issues. Our granddaughter was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, Polycystic kidney disease (also called ARPKD) causes numerous cysts to grow in the kidneys. These cysts are filled with fluid. If too many cysts grow or if they get too big, the kidneys can become damaged. PKD cysts can slowly replace much of the kidneys, reducing kidney function and leading to kidney failure.
At three-days-old, Alexys had to have both of her kidneys removed and was placed on hemodialysis five times a week. Alexys currently is doing Peritoneal Dialysis in the comfort of our home and she has several doctors’ appointments weekly. Alexys is a very happy and loving little girl with a spunky spirit who is always smiling even after all of her treatments. She has been and continues to be a blessing and a gift from God to our family.
Alexys has been doing well with her in-home treatments and goes to pre-school four days a week when she is well enough to attend. On her good days, other than the Peritoneal Dialysis and unique medical needs due to her diagnosis, Alexys is like any other child attending school and playing with other children. We are hopeful that the little things that you and I take for granted such as drinking a glass of ice cold water on a hot day that she will enjoy one day as well.
Brittney, Alexys’ Mommy, cares for Alexys every day and manages all her medical needs. Brittney also works outside of the home driving for Uber when she is able to coordinate someone who is trained to care for Alexys.
We are attempting to bring awareness to organ donation and the needs of those who are waiting for an organ transplant. Everyone can help by becoming a registered organ donor. If you would like to sign up as a donor in Alexys’ honor, please click the link below. We’d also appreciate it if you’d share her story with others. Please forward her unique link on the official state donor registry to friends and family: www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org/Alexys.
Organ donation gives hope to thousands of people with organ failure. Alexys is four-years-old and waiting for a donor who will be a match. She currently is listed on the national organ waiting list in need of a liver and kidney from a deceased donor.
We are praying for a match from a brave individual who made the life changing decision to become an organ donor. Please consider signing up today to become an organ and tissue donor. With this one decision, you can give life and opportunity to others.
Thank you for all your support
Lanzarotto Family
