'A very scary thing': Young Des Moines dad diagnosed with rare kidney disease
A Des Moines father who just welcomed a new baby is now in need of a new kidney.
Earlier this month, Roman Price was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, an autoimmune disease that attacks the kidneys. Price says he was unaware his kidneys were failing until he collapsed and went to the emergency room, where a series of tests determined his kidneys were not properly functioning. Price says his only symptoms were frequent migraines.
"They said his kidney has 80 percent scarring, 20 percent function," said Price's wife, Britney. "This has been a very scary thing. We've got five kids."
The couple has five children ranging in age from 11 years old to 5 weeks old. Price remains in the hospital and on dialysis. The 33-year-old will undergo the treatment for a month before doctors reassess his kidney function. They estimate he is at stage five kidney failure and will likely need a kidney transplant.
Doctors say Price's condition is serious, but the family's faith in God gives them hope.
"I believe God is in control, and I know he can do the miraculous," Roman said.
The family is now urging people to consider organ donation. The provides resources to register to become an organ donor. The facilitates living donor transplants in Nebraska and Iowa.
The family has organized a page to support their medical needs.