By: Norberto Betita
Challenges comes to each of us in surprisingly unexpected time and stretch of life. It comes even during the early beat of life in an embryonic stage---when the formation of the major organs and structure of a growing embryo takes place---and some parts failed to develop.
Such was the case of my tenth grandchild---Trevor Betita Preciosa---now two years old. During his conception it was already observed through ultrasound that one of his kidneys did not grow. However, the fetal movement and development as observed were within normal condition. The baby was eventually given birth normally and his newborn screening revealed no other early signs of abnormalities, except for that of his kidney of which his pediatrician advised the parents to consult with a Pediatric Nephrologist.
What makes this challenge kind of surprising and strange to the family is the fact that the infant boy is one with his brother---Travis---who was also diagnosed as being born with one kidney by the same obstetrician who delivered both children about five years apart. Of the elder boy, the parents did not take immediate action to consult with a nephrologist observing that he was just as normal as all other boys his age. He had never been to a pediatrician often except for ordinary common coughs and colds.
However, with their newborn having the same kidney deficiency, after six months from birth, they brought both children to Butuan City for checkup by a pediatric nephrologist. The examination confirmed that both were indeed born with only one left kidney each, a condition called renal agenesis. Their right kidneys did not develop. They were assured though that these boys can live healthy normal lives and with normal life span. They were advised, however, to live healthy lifestyles as possible.
Such was the case of my tenth grandchild---Trevor Betita Preciosa---now two years old. During his conception it was already observed through ultrasound that one of his kidneys did not grow. However, the fetal movement and development as observed were within normal condition. The baby was eventually given birth normally and his newborn screening revealed no other early signs of abnormalities, except for that of his kidney of which his pediatrician advised the parents to consult with a Pediatric Nephrologist.
What makes this challenge kind of surprising and strange to the family is the fact that the infant boy is one with his brother---Travis---who was also diagnosed as being born with one kidney by the same obstetrician who delivered both children about five years apart. Of the elder boy, the parents did not take immediate action to consult with a nephrologist observing that he was just as normal as all other boys his age. He had never been to a pediatrician often except for ordinary common coughs and colds.
However, with their newborn having the same kidney deficiency, after six months from birth, they brought both children to Butuan City for checkup by a pediatric nephrologist. The examination confirmed that both were indeed born with only one left kidney each, a condition called renal agenesis. Their right kidneys did not develop. They were assured though that these boys can live healthy normal lives and with normal life span. They were advised, however, to live healthy lifestyles as possible.
As a grandfather, I am very grateful to know that Trevor and his brother Travis, despite both having only one kidney each, can still do things that normal children are doing. Notwithstanding the possibility that later in life there will be slight loss of kidney functions, it has been proven that the loss of function will be very mild with very few problems. They still can participate in sports except for those which requires heavy body contacts as advised by doctors. They need not have to follow a special diet if their single kidney remains healthy. As it has been said that “it is not unusual for one kidney to do the work of two.”
Statistics say that 1 in 750 people is born with only one kidney. The origin and cause of renal agenesis---born with one kidney--- is not yet known. It is said that most of these cases “are not inherited from parents, nor do they result from any behavior by the mother.” However, it can be “more common in infants born to one or more parents with malformed or absent kidney.”
We do not have any recorded history in the family of this kind of physical deficiency. Their parents had no known malformed or absent kidneys, they having been conceived and born when the ultrasound technology was not yet available. They live healthy normal lives. However, in their father’s side, their grandmother’s siblings have history of kidney problems.
As of the now both boys are observed to be just as healthy and active as many children their age. They have not been to a doctor often.
Statistics say that 1 in 750 people is born with only one kidney. The origin and cause of renal agenesis---born with one kidney--- is not yet known. It is said that most of these cases “are not inherited from parents, nor do they result from any behavior by the mother.” However, it can be “more common in infants born to one or more parents with malformed or absent kidney.”
We do not have any recorded history in the family of this kind of physical deficiency. Their parents had no known malformed or absent kidneys, they having been conceived and born when the ultrasound technology was not yet available. They live healthy normal lives. However, in their father’s side, their grandmother’s siblings have history of kidney problems.
As of the now both boys are observed to be just as healthy and active as many children their age. They have not been to a doctor often.
Trevor and his brother Travis are just beginning their life’s race. There are yet so many laps to cross and high roads of challenges to overcome. The path to the future are for them totally uncertain. They need to have faith even early in life, for after all, these challenges and uncertainties are made part of their mortal journey because Heavenly Father knows and trusts in their capacity to triumph over their designated trials as they ask Him for help. I am old and I may not see Trevor---my 10th grandson---grow into maturity. It is my hope and most sincere prayer that he will be guided through by his parents in love and patience and in righteousness and in truth. May he grows and develops into a virtuous man, strong in faith, and more spiritually inclined. May Heavenly Father grant that he will be able to embrace his early adversities with courage to defy barriers and faith to endure. In his growing up years, may he understands better the purpose of life and the role of challenges in God’s eternal plan of happiness.
HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY TREVOR! As your grandfather, I have an overpowering wish that you will be able to live a full normal and healthy life; that you will grow learning the truths of life and the plan of salvation; that you will be obedient to your parents and to the commandments of God; and that you will qualify to hold the Holy Priesthood of God and serve in His kingdom and walk the path where Jesus walked. May God grant!
