Holden – 11-year old Teodora Bastug is currently on the list to receive a new kidney and a new liver after being diagnosed with “hyperoxaluria,” four years ago.
Hyperoxaluria is a rare condition in which there is too much oxalate produced in the body. Oxalate is a natural chemical in your body, and it’s also found in certain types of food. There is no known need for oxalate by the human body, it is normally eliminated as waste through the kidneys. But too much oxalate in your urine can cause serious problems when the excess oxalate binds with calcium in the urine to form kidney stones.
Hyperoxaluria can be caused by eating too many oxalate-rich foods, an intestinal disease or an inherited (genetic) disorder.
Unfortunately, the enzyme required to break down oxalate does not work properly in Teodora’s liver, and is unable to break down all of the extra oxalate produced. This excess of oxalate produces a build-up of calcium in the kidneys which can create kidney stones or, in Teodora’s case, cause renal failure.
Teodora is currently on a waiting-list for both a liver and kidney transplant. A new, healthy liver will help ensure that normal oxalate levels are maintained and properly excreted out of her body, keeping her kidneys and/or other organs in her body from failing.
Teodora is receiving dialysis treatment six days a week in order to remove the excess oxalate from her system. Despite all of this, her family said she is always smiling, happy and in good spirits. Teodora loves being surrounded by her friends, family and stuffed animals!
The goal, her family said, is to keep Teodora healthy, happy and comfortable while they await the good news that organs are available for her. A fund has been established to help her family with her mounting medical expenses at http://www.gofundme.com/teodorakidneyliver
For more information on hyperoxaluria, visit http://ohf.org/overview.