A 28-year-old mom from New Brunswick insisted that doctors should allow her to donate her kidney to her 18-month- old son. She said she is more prepared to face any future complications the transplant may lead rather than seeing her boy suffering.
Ashley Barnaby said her son, Zaccari Buell, has been suffering from stage-four renal failure. Hence, he's been going through 12 hours of dialysis daily. However, she said she wants to give his child a normal life even if it means she needs to handle complications in the future.
With the hope to save the boy's life, Barnaby had herself tested three months ago as the mom wants to donate one of her kidneys to her own son. However, Queen Elizabeth II hospital rejected her application after they found out that during her pregnancy period, she developed gestational diabetes and she has a history of high blood pressure.
Nevertheless, the desperate mother argued and told the doctors that she believe she could avoid any future health problems related to the transplant if she would just monitor her own health. She also insisted that she should have a "voice" about her own health and what she can do for her son.
"I would rather take my chance and do what I can personally to prevent that from happening and be able to see my son healthy and striving," Barnaby added to National Post.
Dr. Christine Dipchand, medical director of the living kidney donation program explained that they are following national and international guidelines in deciding on whether the candidate is healthy to undergo the transplant process. She also said that she fully understand Barnaby's frustration, "In these cases, we know that it can be extremely difficult and frustrating for the patient, and as health-care providers we share in that disappointment," she said.
The board is still reviewing the decision. But Barnaby said she's not that optimistic the doctors will grant her request.
