About 8 years ago, my mother was diagnosed with kidney failure. After numerous tests, biopsies, and doctor’s visits, there was still no answer as to what caused the failure. There were tons of theories and along with them, plenty of recommendations. My mom did her best to delay the inevitable, impressing her doctors every step of the way. However, in summer of 2016, she was told her only option was to start dialysis.
Since the initial surgery, my mother has experienced complication after complication with the peritoneal dialysis catheter. First, a nurse dropped the cap and put it back on without cleaning it, causing an infection. Then, there was an issue with the machine. Next, my mom was retaining fluids and the dialysis wasn’t working correctly. They’ve replaced and relocated the catheter, and still, the complications continue.
My mom is not a perfect human being – she’s messy, stubborn, and not as good of a cook as my grandmother. My mother is many, many things. But most of all, she’s beloved. Working as a teacher’s assistant in a special needs classroom, her students adore her. Her dedication keeps her connected to her students even after they’ve moved on to the next class. In fact, many of her students are practically family.
Our family, immediate and extended, is committed to seeing my mom through her kidney transplant. The doctors want to see this happen sooner, rather than later. However, despite our family’s time and efforts, we can’t cover the costs of the transplant alone. In addition to co-pays and premiums for the actual transplant, there are several anti-rejection medications which my mother will have to take. One of these medications costs upwards of $3000 a month!
To help with this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in my mother’s honor has been established with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the Southeast Kidney Transplant Fund and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.
For credit card contributions, please click the yellow Donate Now button.
Keep an eye on my mother’s campaign page at www.helphopelive.org because we be planning some fundraising events soon and posting updates regularly. Any donation, no matter how big or small, will grant us more movie nights, loud laughs in quiet places, and warm hugs when we need them most. My siblings and I thank you in advance for your generosity.
Gratefully,
MariaJose, her siblings, her family, and Luz
