They first knew something was wrong during an ultrasound in the second trimester. Before he was born, Rayan Habib Joy was diagnosed with hydronephrosis, a condition that causes one or both kidneys to swell.

"I was basically scrambling to get information and learned that usually this condition goes away in the third trimester; that didn't happen for my son," said Mahfuz Shuvra, Rayan's dad. "We were referred to Boston Children's Hospital right away and got our first appointment before he was a month old."

What started out as an issue with one of Rayan's kidneys soon spread to both, and his condition was upgraded to bilateral hydronephrosis. The alarming change meant monitoring his condition with regular checkups, uncomfortable procedures and considering all options, with surgery being last on the list because of the high risk involved. Doctors warned that Rayan's condition made him susceptible to infection, which could quickly escalate and become life-threatening. That's when Shuvra's wife, Fahmida Shamsuddin, quit her job as an architect to care for their son full time. After countless days filled with worry and sleepless nights wondering what would happen next, Rayan and his family got the news they had been hoping for - the latest ultrasound showed his condition was stabilizing.

"That news was such a big relief," said Shuvra. "I basically cried with joy. Boston Children's was our savior." 

"Boston Children's is a national asset, and I'm so fortunate and proud to work for a company that supports a place I truly care about and is so very close to my heart," said Shuvra. "Very few companies do what Eversource does, and their support helps ensure kids and families are receiving the best care in the world."

While Rayan continues to face the impacts of his condition, you'd never be able to tell he spent so much of his young life at Boston Children's. The active three-year-old has a passion for space, sports and being outdoors. His mom, who has now gone back to work as an architect, also has a special connection to the hospital - she was on the architecture team that designed Boston Children's Longwood Avenue location before Rayan was ever diagnosed. 

"My wife never thought she'd be back at Boston Children's Hospital because of our son," said Shuvra. "But we're so lucky to be able to go there. It's the best because of the outstanding staff and service they provide. Their knowledge and expertise of Rayan's condition gave us a lot of comfort in a tough time."

Since 2007, Eversource has been the title sponsor for the Walk for Boston Children's, which has raised millions of dollars to help sick children and their families across Massachusetts, New England, and the world. Shuvra encourages everyone who can attend-whether this year on June 14 or in the future-to come out and show their support. 

To learn more about the Walk and to donate, visit Boston Children’s Hospital Giving.