Please Help Make a Difference

My name is Leopoldo “Polo” Villarreal Jr. I was diagnosed with kidney failure on January 17, 2015. I woke up that morning not feeling well but went about my plans, especially looking forward to my daughter’s birthday party that evening. It was very clear by the end of the day that something was very wrong and I went to the emergency room. Several hours later, I was devastated to learn that I was in kidney failure. I spent the next two weeks in the hospital where I began my hemodialysis. Although this diagnosis was extremely difficult for me, I worked hard to fight my depression. I had children who needed me — I knew I could not let this get me down.

I am currently pursuing the option of kidney transplantation. It is my best hope for a long and healthy life. A transplant will be life-saving, but it will also be financially draining. I am responsible for 20% of all medical costs. I will also need to be on anti-rejection medications for the rest of my life, costing at least $500/month. This presents a challenge that my family and I cannot meet alone.