SAMSON, Ala. (WDHN) — A Geneva County father has new hope after his son was given a second chance at life.
“Think about how you can carry on your legacy when your organs are no longer useful,” said Roderick Ryder, a Samson native.
Gunner Ryder has lived with Joubert syndrome for almost his entire life. Joubert syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disease that affects 1 in 100,000 people on the planet.
The disorder specifically targets the victim's muscle tone, leaving Gunner unable to move or speak. However, the family was not prepared for what was about to happen.
“He had a bad year with the flu last year. It affected him a lot respiratory-wise,” Ryder said. “We had weekly tests and sure enough, his kidney numbers weren't right.”
The younger Gunner had chronic kidney disease and advanced stage renal failure, a direct result of that disease. The Ryder family learned that they were beginning a long journey to receive a kidney transplant.
Ryder explained that for a year, she had to drive three hours to UAB Children's Hospital three times a week. The family has come to call the campus their second home.
Ryder said the entire process has placed a huge financial strain on his family, as he has to return home and work while his wife is with their son. He also said that this journey affected his marriage, but he always kept the big picture in mind.
“You feel drained in the deepest parts of your body, like a candle burning at both ends,” Ryder explained. “But once I understand that my son's health is most important, I can overcome anything easily.”
After nearly 20 visits to the hospital and nearly losing his life twice, Gunner was finally able to receive a kidney transplant last Wednesday. A moment Gunner's father says he'll never forget.
“There is no better feeling than this,” Ryder said. “I couldn't be happier to think that my son has been given a new lease on life.”
Ryder said she is extremely grateful for the community support her family has received throughout this process. One member of the community also took the initiative. GoFundMe set up to support Ryder's family The Gunners are considering staying in Birmingham for another month for further tests.
Ryder said she never thought she would become an organ donor, but now she thinks differently after an organ donor saved her son's life.
“I never wanted to be an organ donor…It changed my perspective forever. I can honestly say that if I didn't have this donor, I would have waited another year. Gunner's condition could have been worse.
Ryder said she would one day personally thank the organ donor's parents for saving her son's life.
