Hi, my name is Leo De La Mora. I’m a son, parent, separated husband, older brother, and pet owner. I live with kidney disease, but am grateful to be an otherwise healthy man. Growing up I was a healthy kid, very well taken care of. When I first realized that I was sick, it was a great surprise. I was getting a haircut after getting off work. I was on my kid brother’s barber chair and kept dozing off until I was done. Then while I was sitting waiting to grab lunch with him, I collapsed. It was then that my journey began.
I like to say that I’m very business and family-oriented. I remember hanging out with my parents, always surrounded by laughter and smiles. They are very hard working and shared that strong ethic with my brother and me. I was briefly married but now separated and have a gorgeous daughter that I love more than words can express. What can I say about my kid brother? He has always been my rock – I appreciate all of his support, kindness, and attentiveness. Last, but not least, I also have a dog, a very kind and faithful pet that brings me great joy.
I’ve been on dialysis for over 4 years. It’s not too bad when you know what you are doing. The medical staff are amazingly kind. I enjoy my 3 1/2 hours because of them – they have become like family. But I believe it’s my time to move on. I am presently on the transplant waiting list at UC San Diego Health. While dialysis helps my kidneys do their work and keep me alive, a transplant will offer me the ability to live a longer, healthier, and more normal life.
Transplants are life-saving but financially draining. Even with insurance, I am facing significant pre- and post-transplant out-of-pocket costs. This presents a challenge that my family and I cannot meet alone.
To help with the financial burden of uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign has been established in my honor with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community based fundraising guidance to help patients and families in need for more than 30 years. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law and are held by Help Hope Live in the Southwest Kidney Transplant Fund in my honor. Donations are allocated by Help Hope Live based on financial need for medical expenses. Please consider making a contribution today.
For credit card donations, please click the Donate now button.
As a family man, I am working hard on my goals and will do everything I can to take care of my health. With the “gift of life” I can return to a healthy and active lifestyle where I can provide for myself and my daughter. Until that time, I’m grateful that I found Help Hope Live – an organization which is helping me to stay fully focused on my recovery, and less overwhelmed by my growing medically-related bills. With determination, faith, and the support of my community, I can accomplish this and plan for a better future.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. As I continue on my journey, I greatly appreciate all the prayers and positive vibes. Thank you to all.
Sincerely yours,
Leo
661-436-7177
