The Houston family from Caronport has a family with four young children, but two of them are battling chronic kidney disease. 

Six-year-old Edie was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney disease, Dense Deposit Disease, about two years ago.  

Her parents started noticing symptoms, but at the time didn’t think anything of it. It was after they consulted a doctor that they understood the gravity of the situation and treatment escalated from there. 

About a year later, her older brother Asher was also diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease, this one known as IgA Nephropathy. 

The situation was similar to Edie’s where the Houstons start to notice symptoms. This time, armed with a little more knowledge, they notified their care doctor at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and had a diagnosis a lot quicker. 

Edie and Asher’s dad, Joel, said having the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital staff available to answer their questions has been amazing. 

“It's certainly been a less lonely road to walk with the Jim Pattison care team there and we've just been really grateful for the attention and care that we've received along the way,” he said. 

The battle with these diseases took place when the children’s care was transitioning over to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. 

“The ability that we have to reach out and just get in touch with our doctors has certainly increased. And then the facility has been a huge wow factor from going from before it was under construction, not really knowing where to park,” said Joel.  

“Now even the lobby's impressive. But we've noticed huge changes for the better that way.” 

Joel said home life hasn’t changed much since the diagnoses. The kids can still take part in physical activities and are generally healthy. They do take medication that suppresses their immune systems and he said some days are difficult as it lingers knowing their children are fighting these diseases. 

As for whether the diseases are genetic, Joel said the doctors at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital doing research as not much is known. However, Joel added that they are keeping an eye on their two younger children in case they start to show symptoms. 

The Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Radiothon is taking place now. You can donate by calling 1-888-808-KIDS (5437) or visit https://pattisonchildrens.ca