Residents in West Nipissing and across northern Ontario are rallying around Noah Plouffe, a three-year-old boy who is dealing with a rare kidney disease. Noah needs a kidney and liver transplant. His doctors discovered fluid-filled cysts developed in two of his vital organs, which led to severe health complications. A virtual weekend walk is being held this weekend to support him and his mother. Despite his health challenges, Noah is a giggling and cheerful child. Mom Heidi Menard said he’s making the most of his current health situation. “He’s a bright light and he’s always so happy, despite everything,” Menard said. Noah was born with a rare genetic disorder called Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease. He needs daily life-saving hemodialysis treatment. For the past two years, he’s been going back and forth between the Ronald Mcdonald House and Toronto’s Hospital For Sick Children. “This is the biggest fight of his life,” Menard said. Her son has undergone more than 15 surgeries and continues to undergo monthly procedures. Noah had his first kidney removed when he was just five weeks old. By the time he was 18 months, both of his kidneys were removed. He will eventually have to have his liver taken out, too. Last fall, his doctors determined that his vessels are now large enough and placed him on a combined liver and kidney transplant waitlist. “We’re actively waiting for the call,” Menard said. “It can take a longer expected time for him to get the call just because he needs both organs.” Noah has spent most of his life between SickKids and Ronald Mcdonald House. But as the family’s stay is coming to an end, the pair will need to find a new place to stay in Toronto that’s near the hospital. After the transplant, doctors expect Noah will still have to go through months of critical follow-up care. “You’re expected to be here for a minimum of three months post- transplant,” Menard said. “But then there’s a lot of uncertainty in Noah’s case because he’s getting both organs.” Last year, Noah’s grandmother, Audrey Menard, rallied the community of West Nipissing, where Heidi grew up, organizing a walk for Noah. She hung up posters and had T-shirts made, raising money in the process. This year, she wants to spread the message further, organizing a virtual walk June 13-14 so all of northern Ontario can join in. “The response has been overwhelmingly heartfelt,” Audrey Menard said. “It does take a community to raise a child.” All money raised will go to helping the young family find new living accommodations and to cover medical expenses not covered by OHIP. “I’m hoping that the community -- every community in and around -- can come together to consider supporting this beautiful little family,” Audrey Menard said. With Noah’s biggest battle still to come, the family knows community support will help him with his journey. “We’re very grateful,” Heidi Menard added. “It truly means a lot to us.”
