Luis Needs Our Help!
Dr. Luis DelCastillo (Kinkin) was a healthy vibrant man. He was born in 1967 in Caracas, Venezuela. As a young man, Luis loved to ride his mountain bike in a small town called “El Jarillo” and around Caracas where he lived. He studied dentistry in Venezuela and later came to the United States to further his dental education at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine where he became a Prosthodontist and currently is a professor at the Dental School and in addition, practices dentistry in the Boston area. He is an accomplished musician who plays guitar and bass and often performed with his band at local venues. When Luis journeyed to Boston, Massachusetts in 2003, he didn’t stop his passion for music, dentistry and his love for the outdoors. On a typical weekend Luis would enjoy time with his friends riding his bike, snowboarding and play with his band.
In 2008 he noticed a persistent cough that has lasted several months but Luis thought it was allergies or asthma. When he visited his PCP, immediately was referred to a pulmonologist. After several tests and a lung biopsy he was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD). His lung capacity was 30% of the normal lung capacity for a man of his age. Luis went on steroid therapy for several months and his lung capacity stayed stable for 5 years but his future and the progression of the disease was unpredictable. He continued living his life as best and as normal as he could. He didn’t feel limitations. He continued working on his private practice and teaching at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He was playing bass guitar every weekend with his band “Open Bar Band”. He and his wife Maria Eugenia welcomed their two beautiful daughters, Emiliana and Victoria. He was still riding his bike and didn’t give up to the idea of being cured and being stable for the rest of his life.
Things started to change around 2014 when he noticed something was wrong, he felt winded easily. His hands started to get less flexible and painful ulcers were developing on his fingers. The cough was still persistent. At that moment, Luis was diagnosed with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) also know as Scleroderma with ILD. Systemic Scleroderma with ILD is an autoimmune disease that results in an overproduction of systemic collagen and scaring of the lung tissue which results in a reduction of lung capacity and thus, quality of life. As a consequence of the SSc, Luis also developed a Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). There is not a cure for Scleroderma or Pulmonary Hypertension. Immunosuppressant agents are usually prescribed to prevent the progression of the Scleroderma but ultimately a double Lung transplant was the only hope for Luis to continue living, working, his passion for music and doing what he loves the most, spending time with his family and friends
Luis’s disease was manageable until February 2016 when he started experiencing an increase in his shortness of breath along with a generalized weakness throughout his whole body. He was hospitalized with pneumonia at Brigham and Women’s hospital where the lung transplant team was consulted. Luis underwent a full evaluation. During the evaluation, the doctors found an abnormal esophageal condition where his esophagus didn’t have the peristaltic movement needed for normal swallowing. Due to these collective findings, Brigham and Women Hospital along with the Cleveland Clinic turned him down for a transplant option. This news was devastating and very hard for Luis and his family to cope with. Nevertheless, Luis never lost hope and kept a positive attitude.
Luis has been participating with his Pulmonary Rehabilitation to try to maintain his pulmonary function and to prepare the body and strengthen the muscles for a lung transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital where has been considered as candidate . At this moment Luis needs oxygen to walk and to sleep. His physical activity is limited. He is not able to be outdoors in the cold or for a long walks. He needs new lungs. We feel Luis was blessed to have MGH accept him as a candidate for the lung transplant procedure and hope and pray for a positive outcome so that Luis can one day, return to the full and vibrant life that he once led with his family and friends.
Luis is facing a life-threatening disease and a major surgery. The recovery time for him is unpredictable; it could go from 6 months to a year if no complication arises in the process. Doctors often describe the transplant process as “exchanging a disease for another” because of the side effects of the medications, Luis could develop diabetes and renal failure. He hopes and prays for a speedy recovery and to be able to go back to work to his patients and to his students at Tufts. He hopes new lungs give him a second wind to life. He dreams on riding his bike beside his two daughters, teaching them to ride on a snow board and to see them grow.
Luis is very much appreciative of your visit to this website and for taking time to read and learn about him. If you wish to leave him a note you can do it here
Family and friends of Luis Del Castillo are raising money to pay for uninsured medical expenses associated with transplantation.
Luis has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility to the full extent allowed by law for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
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Guestbook
January 23, 2019
Deseos para una rapida y buena recuperación!
Caridad Martinez Echevarría
Caridad Martinez
January 23, 2019
Querido Dr. Castillo!
No supe hasta ahora lo que estabas pasando. Te deseo un recuperación buena para que puedas seguir tu labor como padre, esposo, dentista, maestro, amigo, y todo lo demás que se te pueda ocurrir.
Gracias por haber tomado el tiempo para escuchar mi experiencia y apoyarme totalmente en estos momentos difíciles de mi vida. Te extraño por acá. Esta gente esta muy confundida. Ya mismo le paso la factura.....
Eres una gran persona y te mereces todo lo mejor de la vida. Espero verte pronto!
Cariñosamente,
Caridad
Caridad Martinez
October 17, 2018
Restorative healing prayers
Karen & Phil Stefanini
August 12, 2018
To my teachers and friends, best wishes for a full recovery and happy future. You\'re more important to everyone around you and the community than you know, and I couldn\'t think anyone less deserving of what you\'ve all endured.
Peter
July 26, 2018
Deseándote una suave y pronto recuperación Kinkin. Un abrazo inmenso por tu valentía. Eres un ejemplo a seguir....
Marianna Delgado
July 26, 2018
To my teacher and his family. We pray your recovery continues to be filled with strength and courage. Sending love and healing prayers. Love Fizza
Fizza Jaffery
July 23, 2018
Thinking of you all! Love Annie
❤️
Anne Smith
July 6, 2018
Thoughts and Prayers Continue for You and your Family
Anne DiGiorgio
June 29, 2018
Thinking of you and your family at this time <3
Erica Kleinbaum
June 23, 2018
Praying for your husband and your family, Dr. Gonzalez
Michelle Kalil
June 23, 2018
Will think of you and your family in my prayers.
Emanuela Negrescu
June 4, 2018
Dr. Castillo,
I am so sorry to hear about this. I hope you hear very good news from MGH soon. After I had my son in 2015, I remember visiting your office for a regular check-in and you came in to congratulate me and said how I could bring my son or do whatever I needed as your office was another home for him. I still think about how kind that message was and how inclusive it was for a new, nervous mom. Again, we wish you all the best and will keep you in our prayers. Suzanne.
Suzanne Daley
May 14, 2018
Luis, I am so sorry that you are going through this. My very best wishes to you and your family. - Bob
Robert Farese
May 10, 2018
Luis me quedé atónita al saber esto. Cuanto lo siento! Espero que recibas bendiciones y te pongas bien. Deseo todo lo mejor para ti y tu linda familia.
Lucía González
Juliana y Lucas
Lucia Gonzalez
March 13, 2018
Sending additional prayers and good vibes to Luis and family.
Paul Beaudoin
January 2, 2018
Luis
You are a true friend!
I love you ,Maru and the girls and I wish that 2018 is the year you can breath again !
Love , hugs and kisses !
Katerina Antonellou ( aka Katerinoula )
December 27, 2017
Dr Luis Del Castillo. Estás en mis oraciones y estoy muy segura que Dios las escuchara y premiará su generosidad, sencillez y gran ayuda que hemos recibido de su parte. Cuenta conmigo, este es un pequeño e insignificante aporte para lo que usted y su familia merecen. No va a ser el último. Lo hago con todo gusto, sinceramente y con el corazón.Cuenten conmigo siempre. Permítanme devolver algo de tanto que he recibido de tu parte. Maru, cuenta conmigo. No están solos! Dios los bendiga y acompañe siempre!!
Luz Marina Jutras
December 16, 2017
Kinkin, en el día de tu cumpleaños, te deseamos todo lo mejor y te tenemos en nuestras oraciones para tu pronta mejoría. Te queremos mucho.
Tus primos Catire, Gaby, Gabytina, Luis Enrique y Alejandra
December 12, 2017
Fuerza hermano TQM
JA Daza
November 9, 2017
Dear Dr.Del Castillo and Dr.Gonzalez,
You both have touched so many lives. I have learned a lot from both of you during my Tufts preclinical years . I will always remember your kindness. I wish you a speedy recovery. Remembering you in my prayers everyday. Please stay strong. With much love.
Your former student
Lobsang Tsomo
November 9, 2017
Dear Dr. Del Castillo, I dont know if you remember me I was one of your students from back in the early 2000s. You have touched so many people and are a fantastic professor. I’m praying that your treatments go smoothly and that your health is restored!! Many blessings to you and your wife and family!
Natanya Marracino (Brown) D’05
November 8, 2017
Luis,
Wishing you nothing but the best in your journey with this process. I will be praying of you and your family during this time. I know that you, Maria, and the kids are going to pull through this and come out on top. Just keep being your positive self and know that you have a lot of life to live hermano.
B. Lee
November 8, 2017
Rezando con uds para que todo salga muy bien y que puedas regresar pronto a una vida normal. Agradeciendo a Dios por su amistad y cariño. Mucho ánimo!
Clara Cabrera
November 8, 2017
Praying for you and your family Dr Del Castillo. My thoughts are with you all during this challenging time. You have served as a great role model for so many of us!
Alana Bednarz
October 30, 2017
G-d bless you and your family
My sister has Lupus and my mom was a liver transplant recipient We enjoyed her for many healthy and happy years after
Fran davis
October 29, 2017
Kin Kin; Dios no nos pone pruebas que El sabe no podremos superar. Tu y tu familia saldrán robustecidos de esta situación, mucha Fe Amigo, que los milagros existen. Estas presente en mis oraciones. Un abrazo
Kilkeny
October 27, 2017
Dear Kinkin and Maru, we pray for you and your beautiful family. Sending all our love. Please let us know what can we do to help in any possible way.
Love,
Irays Santamaria Dehni and Walid Dehni
October 19, 2017
Luis,
Thinking of you my friend but I know that you are in the best medical hands here in Boston and I have faith that you 'got this'. Anyone, as you, who has such a wide range in taste of music can cover anything
God Bless
John B
October 17, 2017
Dr. D., your health and family will be in my prayers today and always. Thank you for all you do.
Fizza d'06
October 8, 2017
Dr. Del and Gonzalez -- you guys are two of the best teachers I had at Tufts! Thanks for helping so many of us through treacherous times. Prayers for you, your surgeons, and your beautiful family as you begin the healing process. Love to you all.
Ashley Leavell Tziros
October 5, 2017
Hey Dr Del Castillo
Our prayers are with you and family
Ashkan Haeri
October 4, 2017
You are one of the best at that school and have helped so many of us become what we are today!
Ian Fessler d07
October 4, 2017
Dr. Del Castillo, you have touched the lives of many through your work. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time.
Jeffrey Tsai, D13
October 3, 2017
Querido Kinkin, espero que ds te acompañe en tu tratamiento y que puedas recuperarte, te deseo fortaleza y que recibas la energia necesaria para superar esta etapa junto a tu hermosa familia y queridos amigos que te rodean.
Elizabeth schummer
October 2, 2017
Mucha fuerza KinKin! Aquí estamos muy pendientes y te deseamos una pronta recuperación! Estamos por acá a la orden lo que necesites. Muchos besos y abrazos!
Andreina Zubi y Juan Leoni
October 2, 2017
Sending prayers, much love, strength and healing light to you and your beautiful family.
Puja Shah
October 1, 2017
Dr Del Castillo-
You are a beautiful person with a big heart and infinite patience! Thank you for everything you have given to us, your students- you are truly a treasure! I am praying for you and your beautiful family!
Laura Rizkallah
October 1, 2017
Mi querido KinKin, pensar en ti es recordar tu espectacular sonrisa y tu siempre alegre actitud ante la vida. Se que eres un luchador y saldras de esto amigo. Un beso gigante y mucha luz verde de sanacion para ti de todo corazon!
Rebeca De La Rosa
October 1, 2017
You never gave up on me(or any of us for that matter). Here’s to never giving up on you my friend. Thoughts and prayers for you always.
Raj Thaker
September 30, 2017
Dear Luis, you and your beautiful family are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you strength and a speedy recovery.
Meletia Laskou
September 29, 2017
Querido Luis y Familia, espero que todas las oraciones se cumplan para que puedas tener la operacion, y te recuperes para poder estar con tu bella familia! Un abrazo grande,
Mariela
September 27, 2017
My thoughts are with you Luis and your family!
You will return stronger than ever.
Your friend Fokion
Fokion Iatridis
September 27, 2017
Dear Dr. Del Castillo. Wishing you, Dr. Gonzalez and the girls lots of strength. I still think about you when I'm doing a crown prep, and the techniques you so patiently taught us. You've touched so many people, and now its our turn to help you with our prayers and positive vibes that we can send your way. We look forward to your recovery and to the day when we can come back to Boston to watch you play your music. Please stay positive and strong.
Geoff & Shruti Gonzales
September 27, 2017
Dr del and dr g,
I wish for a speedy recovery for you and your family. Thank you for all you have taught me. I cherish it everyday. Sending you lots of love during this hard Time.
Ellen Hoffman Pelz
September 26, 2017
Dear Dr.Del Castillo- I am sending lots of positive energy and prayers to you and your family. Wishing you a full recovery!
Jessica Ristuccia
September 26, 2017
Te quiero mi tío Kinkin!
Adhara
September 26, 2017
Dear Dr. Del Castillo,
I hope you recover soon. I will be praying for your recovery. Best wishes always:)
- Gauri Madaan
September 26, 2017
Dear Dr. Del Castillo,
I do hope you will get well soon.
I’ll pray for you.
Sincerely and best regards,
Sue Yang
Sue Yang
September 26, 2017
We stand with you for a speedy recovery!
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Frank & Eva Chow
September 26, 2017
Dr. Del Castillo, I remember you as one of the nicest Prosth faculty at Tufts who always had the longest line of students trailing behind you, waiting to work with you, because you always had amazing patience and are a wonderful teacher.
Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your beautiful family!
Vivian Huang, D05
September 26, 2017
Kinkin, deseamos de todo corazón que tengas una pronta recuperación. Están en nuestras plegarias! Mucha fe y fortaleza! Que D-os Te proteja
Fabrianne Figueroa Cohen
September 25, 2017
You are one of the best teachers I had at Tufts.
Please stay strong and get well soon.
I will pray for you and your family.
Sun Choi D'08
September 25, 2017
Kinkin, estaremos rezando para que todo salga super bien y que tengas una recuperacion super rapida! Irene y yo estamos a la orden cualquier cosa que necesites.
Ines & Irene Troconis
ines T merolli
September 25, 2017
Querido KinKin, saldras con bien de esto con el favor de Dios y todas nuestras oraciones. Te recuerdo con inmenso cariño. Que Dios te bendiga. Un abrazo¡
Ana Caputo
September 25, 2017
Querido Luis Alfredo, estas en mis oraciones. Tengo mucha fe en que todo saldra muy bien y seguiras junto a tu hermosa familia por muchos anos mas.
Liana Carusi
September 25, 2017
Dr. Del Castillo, you made Prosth bearable, and that's no small task. Please get better soon!
Sending out prayers and love.
MP Bui
September 25, 2017
Sending lots of prayers for you and Maria, thank you for all the support, knowledge, and patience you and Maria shared with me at Tufts. I wish you a speedy recovery and health in the future.
Noelle Dunn D12 (formerly Noelle Neill)
September 24, 2017
Praying for u and your wonderful family. Stay strong!❤️
Patti Casey
September 24, 2017
Praying for you and your wonderful family. Wishing you great strength in the journey ahead.
Poonam Soi
September 24, 2017
kinkin por tu pronta recuperacion! No mereces esta enfermedad, aportamos con un granito de arena pero lo mas valioso es el apoyo y toda esa buan vibra que recibiras de todas esas personas que nos hemos cruzado en tu vida. Oraremos por que todo vaya a mejor siempre querido kinkin! Get well! Hugs!
Marlene Poveda
September 24, 2017
Dr Del Castillo and Dr Gonzalez,
Thank you for all of your guidance and support throughout dental school. I can only hope that you are shown at LEAST the same support during this difficult time. Praying for a speedy recover, Dr Del Castillo! All the best :)
Amelia Albright
September 24, 2017
Desde Venezuela aportando mi granito de arena, pero cargado de inmenso cariño, fortaleza y fe. Saldrás adelante, lograrás tu meta. Un fuerte abrazo amigo Kinkin
Milagros Martínez A
September 24, 2017
Siempre deseándote todo lo mejor a ti y tu familia . Que tengas una rápida recuperación. Mis oraciones están contigo
Herlivi
September 24, 2017
Stay Strong and positive. You will be in my thoughts and prayers everyday.
Shradha sharma
September 24, 2017
Friends of my family are my friends too Doctor Luis, so now on, you'll be in my prayers until you get well and be able to ride your bike and play guittar again!
Maria A Portela
September 24, 2017
Luis eres un guerrero. Muy Buena Vibra para ti y los tuyos, en especial María Eugenia, Emiliana y Victoria. Dios los Bendice!!!
Yoly Casaprima
September 24, 2017
Stay strong and we wish you a speedy recovery!
Ara Cho and Young Joon Byun
September 24, 2017
You've got this, Doc! Stay strong, stay positive.
Andrea, NH
September 24, 2017
Wishing you strength in the days ahead. You deserve the best - you've touched so many lives in such various ways! My heart goes out to you and your family.
Soojin
September 24, 2017
We are heartbroken to hear of this and inspired by your strength. We will be praying for your successful and quick recovery!
Deborah Kim and Seong Wook Jeong
September 24, 2017
Praying for you and your family for a speedy recovery!
Colleen Lam
September 23, 2017
Wishing you a super speedy recovery Luis. You are always in our thoughts and prayers and we cherish the wonderful person that you are. Lots of love and hugs.
- Amit Sachdeo and Barry Bisson
September 23, 2017
I will always treasure your teachings and support you in your journey back to wellness. un fuerte abrazo.
Peter Chang DMD
September 23, 2017
We wish you a quick recovery and see you soon. We learned a lot from you and Maria and we will be thinking of you guys.
Jenn and Mehdi
Jenn Wei and Mehdi karimipour
September 23, 2017
Dr Del Castillo
You are one our most humble and kind professors. We learned a lot from you about Dentistry and how to be a better person and dentist. Wish you get well soon.
Mandana Milani
September 23, 2017
Dr. Castillo, You were one of the kindest, gifted and most patient professors I had ever experienced during entire education at Tufts Dental. I am a better dentist and person because of you. My heart goes out to you & your family during this time. I wish you a speedy recovery, and a healthy and fulfilling life ahead. With much love & respect.
Trang T. Le
September 23, 2017
My favorite teacher at tufts, get better soon!! Love you!!
Alyson and Mark Sperling
September 23, 2017
Maria y Luis, I feel honored to know you and to work with you. I am inspired by your strength and positivity.
Dave Leader
September 23, 2017
Your amazing! Truly two of the greatest individuals ever with a beautiful family. Stay strong!
Inga
September 23, 2017
Querido Profesor Del Castillo, que Dios lo bendiga a usted y a su familia. Lo recuerdo con mucho cariño por ser un gran profesor, siempre tan amable y paciente, especialmente con estudiantes como yo que no tenía mucha idea de prostodoncia. Muchos abrazos y muchas fuerzas querido Profesor!
Aurora
Aurora Alva
September 23, 2017
Thinking of you and your beautiful family. You guys are such amazing people and I hope for a speedy recovery!!
Valerie and Derrick Martins
September 23, 2017
A professor, a doctor and a friend....sending well wishes, good luck and positive vibes. God Speed Dr Del Castillo
Viraj & Veera Gadkar
September 23, 2017
Querido Kin: siempre han estado presentes tanto tú como Maru en mis pensamientos. Espero que este pequeño granito que hoy brindamos contribuya a tu recuperación. Mi hermano nunca olvidará el detalle cuando lo acogieron en su apartamento cuando estaba en sus entrevistas en Boston. El y yo súper pendientes de Uds! Los queremos mucho! Rezamos con nuestros hijos para reunirnos muy pronto!
Maria Teresa &Ricardo Bellera
September 23, 2017
Deseándote que todo salga bien y una pronta recuperación.Tu y tu familia estarán en mis plegarias. Un beso grande
Monica Vaisman
September 23, 2017
amazing person and gorgeous family. Sending positive vibes and best feelings
Wed
September 23, 2017
Praying for you and your family...
Diana Rodriguez
September 23, 2017
Fuerza y fe primo. Mi corazón y mis oraciones con Uds. Dios te bendiga
Monica Franco
September 23, 2017
Estoy orando por ustedes, Dios está en control y te seguirá sustentando. Sigue adelante con fe y confiado que saldrás victorioso de esta dificultad!
Elsy Campos-Shuford
September 23, 2017
Kin Kin estamos contigo , Dios es grande y esto no es mas que una prueba , espero que recibas toda la ayuda que necesitas y te mereces para seguir al lado de tu familia ,Todas mis oraciones y deseos de recuperacion estan con ustedes , no pierdas la fe que Dios no nos abandona !!!!
Natascha Arismendi
September 23, 2017
Muy muy sorprendida con esta noticia. No queda más que actuar y tener Fé que todo va a salir bien! Te tengo en mis pensamientos. Cerca o lejos en distancia o en amistad, el solo recordarte por los pasillos de nuestra Facultad ya esa distancia se acorta y te hace algo más que un recuerdo. Todo el éxito que has tenido te lo mereces! Sabemos lo trabajador y humano que has sido. Siempre muy buenas referencias llegan de ti. Deseo de corazón que tú y tu familia salgan de este trago amargo que los aqueja ahora. Mucha Fé, mucha Esperanza! Y mucha Paz de que se está haciendo lo justo y necesario para recobrar tu vida diaria en Familia!
Un fuerte abrazo desde Singapore!
Mary Ninel Mundaray
September 23, 2017
Uncle Luis, my friend Kinkin, my office mate Dr Del Castillo.
I & my enitre family are praying for your recovery You are in our thoughts all the time. Knowing how strong you are! Knowing how much you love your two beatifull angles & lovely Maru... we believe in your strength please never give up the fight. We all love you
Alaa & Lilas Alwazzan
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