In 2021, Anthony (Tony) and Sierra began making life-changing plans. Tony had proposed to Sierra, and soon after, they learned they were expecting their first child.
“The same day that we had the meeting with the wedding planner, we took a pregnancy test. It was positive,” Sierra recalls fondly. Shifting their focus to the pregnancy, the couple decided to postpone their wedding until after the baby’s birth.
Initially, Sierra’s pregnancy progressed normally. However, at week 33, a routine checkup revealed an alarming issue: her womb was devoid of amniotic fluid. She was sent to the hospital immediately and gave birth two weeks later. In March 2022, London was born prematurely and transferred to a different hospital’s NICU (neonatal intensive care unit).
A week later, after extensive tests, London’s doctor delivered unexpected news: “I’ve never seen this level of kidney damage in such a small baby. You’ll need to go to Phoenix Children’s.”
An unexpected diagnosis
London was transported immediately by ambulance to Phoenix Children’s NICU, where she was diagnosed with Denys-Drash syndrome. This meant her kidneys were expected to fail within six months to a year as a result of this rare genetic disorder. Additionally, between ages 1 and 2, there was a high risk of her developing cancerous tumors.
London’s care team devised a plan to help her grow strong enough for dialysis, preparing the family for an extended NICU stay.
Facing turbulent times
For months, Sierra and Tony adjusted to a demanding routine. Tony went to work while Sierra stayed with London. After work, Tony would relieve Sierra, giving the couple little time together. Meanwhile, London’s kidneys continued to fail, and she began to swell, signaling the need to begin round-the-clock manual dialysis.
“Slowly but surely, London’s face and body started getting thinner and back to normal size,” Tony says. “And I’ll never forget … I got to the hospital after work. London opened her eyes and just looked at me in the face. It was the first time that I had seen her eyes for like three or four weeks.”
Tony took a picture of that moment because that’s when he knew London was going to make it, and their family would be okay.
Four months later, London went home from the hospital and met her family for the first time.
Looking to the future
Today, London is 2. Although she has developmental delays and is nonverbal, Sierra says London knows her mind and uses sign language to communicate.
“She enjoys Disney movies and wants us to put on specific songs. She will not let up until you put it on that specific song. She loves Encanto and Moana,” Sierra says.
Now, the family is preparing for a major milestone. In December 2024, Tony, a perfect donor match, will donate his left kidney to his daughter. With this gift, he hopes London can have the future she deserves—one where she can go to school and do normal things like normal kids.
Grateful for world-class care
From the moment they arrived at Phoenix Children’s NICU, Tony and Sierra felt the compassionate support of London’s care team. Donor-funded programs like Palliative Care, The Emily Center and Music Therapy helped provide them with support and resources. Tony believes music therapy sparked London’s current love of music. “If music’s on, she’s having a great time. She’s banging the drums. She loves sound.”
Reflecting on their journey, Tony and Sierra are deeply grateful to Phoenix Children’s and the community that has supported them. Tony says, “You’re donating to literally the best place to help kids in need. And I really don’t know what could be a better cause to donate to than kids.”
Your generous support makes it possible for Phoenix Children's to provide the very best pediatric care to kids like London.
