Despite being confronted with grim prognoses from healthcare experts about her unborn child’s chances of survival, Andi Mahoney refused to accept such a dire outcome. Now, her two-year-old daughter, Emmie, continues to defy her rare and lethal condition, embodying the power of determination, faith, and medical magic.
The first time Andi Mahoney heard the bad news
Andi Mahoney’s miraculous story began in November 2020 during a routine 20-week prenatal scan, which unexpectedly revealed that her baby was afflicted with bilateral renal agenesis, a serious condition marked by the absence of kidneys.
This condition is relatively rare, affecting roughly one in every 5,000 births in the United States. The statistics are daunting: more than 40 percent of these cases result in stillbirths, and infants who are born alive can only survive for just hours.
However. Andi’s journey was just beginning
Undeterred by the prognosis, Andi immediately sought out a specialist after receiving the news from her scan. Her search led her to Dr. Rueben Quintero of the Fetal Institute in Miami, prompting a six-hour journey to the hospital for consultation.
Dr. Quintero shared with her that such diagnoses are exceedingly rare in the United States, with only about 0.013% of cases identified each year. The survival odds are also extremely slim, primarily due to the lack of amniotic fluid. Without kidneys, the fetus cannot process fluids normally, critical for development.
The root cause of bilateral renal agenesis is largely unknown, though genetic factors play a role in about 25% of cases. This condition, also known as Potter syndrome, prevents proper lung development in the fetus. To address this, Andi underwent a series of fluid infusions during her pregnancy, spanning a ten-week period, to support her baby’s growth.
Until she had another scare, that is
During an interview, Andi recalled the frequent trips she made to Miami, a journey undertaken to ensure Emmie received the necessary fluid infusions critical for her survival. These infusions were vital as they facilitated Emmie’s breathing. At the 34-week mark, Andi faced a premature rupture of membranes.
This condition, the premature breaking of the amniotic sac before labor begins, drastically increases the risk of infection for both mother and child. Amidst these challenges, Andi identified a facility in Stanford, California, renowned for its expertise in managing childbirth in such unique and critical situations.
Despite all odds, Emmie was born
Recalling this critical moment, Andi became emotional: “I hopped on a flight from Jacksonville to California with my membranes ruptured. I wanted to go somewhere that would deliver me my Emmie. Also, they gave me hope that she would live.”
At the time of delivery, the medical team was on standby to provide Emmie with immediate oxygen support and expedite her transfer to surgery. This situation meant that Andi had to wait until after the operation to hold her newborn daughter for the first time, a period marked by intense anticipation and uncertainty.
But the battle wasn’t over just yet
At long last, Emmie made her entrance into the world on March 24, 2021, receiving essential oxygen assistance from the attending doctors to help her fight for life. Yet, the hurdles Emmie faced were far from over. Her poorly developed lungs and the immediate need for a kidney transplant were sources of grave concern. While individuals are usually born with two kidneys, a person can lead a healthy life with just one. The kidneys are vital for removing waste from the bloodstream and managing the body’s fluid balance.
The kidney transplant was a success
The decision by Andi to donate her kidney to Emmie illuminated their path with hope. The successful transplant on July 25, 2023, ended in a moment of relief and happiness. Andi shared her elation, saying that she was extremely relieved to hear that she and her daughter shared the same blood type. Without a second thought, she was prepared to donate her kidney to Emmie.
Emmie’s recovery necessitated a prolonged hospital stay, lasting until she was six months old. Following this period, she required regular visits to a California hospital for dialysis treatments. These treatments were crucial for removing excess fluids and waste from her blood, sustaining her until she could receive a kidney transplant from her mother.
The family then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to access the specialized care at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where Emmie underwent home-based outpatient dialysis for two years. This regimen continued until she was two and a half years old, at which point her health had improved sufficiently to discontinue dialysis. The Mahoney family has since become vocal advocates for kidney donation, encouraging others to consider making this life-saving gift.