Have you ever thought that you might be able to help save a life?
My name is Jean and I would like to tell you about my husband. Epi is a brother, son, adored friend and a father to three boys.
As many of you already know, Epi was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease and has been courageously battling end-stage renal failure for nearly five years.
In 2003, Epi suffered two brain aneurysms. They occurred a month to the day apart. He defied odds and fought through life support and three surgeries. Two years later the staggering diagnosis of Polycystic Kidney Disease. The nephrologist explained that the aneurysms were “text book” and associated with his kidney disease. It is an aggressive genetic disease. Epi has a cousin on dialysis and an aunt that has already received a transplant. It’s quite prevalent in his family.
Two and a half years ago Epi started dialysis. These treatments are keeping him alive. We travel three times a week for dialysis treatments lasting four hours. Epi has been hospitalized for weeks and even months at a time because of cysts in his failing kidneys. These cysts get very large and rupture, causing extensive bleeding and hemorrhage that is life threatening.
Doctors have told Epi that his only chance at survival is to have a kidney transplant. Epi’s fragile medical state no longer allows him to work.
Although we are now insured, insurance will not cover all of his life-saving surgeries or the additional transplant-related expenses that Epi will have such as: premiums, co-pays, deductibles, doctor visits and the costly immunosuppressant medications that Epi will need to take for the rest of his life. This presents us with a huge financial challenge that we can’t possibly meet alone. Anticipated first-year expenses could easily exceed $250,000.
To help offset Epi’s mounting medical and insurance costs, a fundraising campaign in His honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization. They have been assisting the transplant community for nearly 30 years. All contributions are tax deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Southeast Kidney Transplant Fund. These funds are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only!
Please consider making a contribution. It is not easy to ask for help, but we graciously ask you to consider our need.
We have begun this exciting fundraising campaign in Epi’s name and would be honored if you would join us.
With sincere gratitude,
Jean Ray-Resendiz and family
10/6/14
UPDATE:
Currently we are covered by Cobra insurance that we pay $877.85 per month for. Our account has gone from nearly 18K to 7K quickly. We are additionally concerned that coverage may not be available with my current employer when the Cobra expires. Yes, there is Obama Care and for some it is a godsend. For us though, it means long wait periods and denial of referrals for specialists and specialized testing. We have done the research. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT OUR PRIVATE INSURANCE CONTINUE!
Currently, Epi is quite stable. He has not had any recent hospital visits or emergent episodes. Thank The Lord! This has been a very difficult decade for us but we keep fighting.
We are incredibly grateful for the amazing support system that we are surrounded by. Thank you all.
Jean & Epi
