In March 2024, Becca Whittle was having dinner with her family when she noticed that her daughter, Harper, wasn’t feeling well and was showing flu-like symptoms. Things progressed quickly as Harper developed a fever and began complaining of stomach pain. Concerned, Becca took her to urgent care to get tested and determine what was going on. It was then that Harper was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disorder where excessive protein leaks into the urine, leading to swelling, high cholesterol, and other complications.
Following the diagnosis, Becca took Harper to the emergency room the next morning as her daughter’s eyes were severely swollen, resembling an allergic reaction. Doctors at the ER discovered the protein leakage and recommended a follow-up with a nephrologist. On March 14, 2024, Harper, then 6 years old, was officially diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome.
Nephrotic syndrome is a condition where the kidneys leak high amounts of protein into the urine, causing various health issues. Treatment involves a low-sodium, low-liquid diet to manage symptoms. Becca shared her emotional struggle with the diagnosis, highlighting the uncertainty and lack of control over the situation. She expressed the challenges of finding the right medications for Harper and the eventual need for a kidney transplant due to kidney damage.
Since her diagnosis, Harper has undergone surgeries, hospital stays, and numerous infusion appointments to manage her condition. Becca described the weekly infusions that Harper receives to remove excess fluid from her body and the impact of being on immunosuppressants. Harper’s journey includes ongoing treatments and the hope for improved symptom management in the future.
When children like Harper stay home from school, it is a precaution to protect them from germs and sick classmates. Harper’s kidney disorder acts like an autoimmune disease, making her vulnerable to illnesses such as colds and flu that can worsen her condition. Despite these challenges, Becca Whittle strives to maintain a sense of normalcy for her family, leaning on the support of her husband and nearby parents.
Becca’s daily routine includes giving Harper medications, monitoring her urine for protein leakage, and helping her and her brother with schoolwork. They try to enjoy outdoor activities like walks and picnics while practicing social distancing and avoiding crowded places. Since Harper’s diagnosis, Becca has found comfort in sharing their journey on social media, particularly through viral TikTok videos documenting Harper’s experience with nephrotic syndrome.
Through these videos, Harper has gained confidence and received positive feedback from viewers, inspiring other families facing similar challenges. However, Becca admits that sharing the toughest moments, such as Harper’s kidney biopsy and declining kidney function, has been emotionally difficult. Despite the hardships, Becca values the connections and support she has received online, highlighting the power of sharing their story with others.
Becca recalls the terrifying time when the doctors considered surgery to remove her daughter’s kidneys for a transplant. However, a last-minute medication proved successful, improving her kidney function from 35% to 60%. While the family is excited about this progress, they understand that managing her condition involves trying various treatments, as not all may work. Their current focus is on maintaining these positive results to delay the need for a transplant.
Despite the challenges faced by the family, Becca believes the experience has made them more resilient. She encourages her daughter to see the potential in her story, suggesting she could inspire others with her experiences of living with nephrotic syndrome. While Harper dreams of becoming a baker, Becca is confident that her daughter’s journey will continue to inspire and strengthen her.
Looking ahead, Becca hopes that Harper can eventually lead a normal life after overcoming these obstacles. She believes that Harper’s journey will not only inspire many people but also make her daughter stronger in the process.
