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As you may already know, I have been diagnosed with a kidney disease called IgA Nephropathy, an autoimmune disease that attacks the kidneys. My physician found something wrong with my kidneys shortly after being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (juvenile diabetes) in 2006. This disease has been slowly deteriorating my kidneys for many years, but I was asymptomatic until 2014. At this point, I only have 7 percent kidney function and my doctors have told me that I need a kidney transplant in order to survive.
Most people don’t realize that I am sick. I’m still somewhat active and continue to work full-time, doing as much as my body will allow. I wish I could do more, but after dialysis I usually feel drained and exhausted. I long to do a lot more things like work that needs to be done around the house, spend time with great friends, and most especially more activities with my family such as tennis with Hallie, soccer with Maia, basketball with Dyllan, and travel with my wonderful wife. I often find my situation to be tough and uncomfortable, but I just have to move on. This journey has impacted my family and me in so many ways. We’ve had to adjust our lives and schedules to accommodate the days I’m on dialysis and everyone has made the extra effort to make sure we all stay healthy to avoid potential hospital admissions.
On a positive note, I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am looking forward to transplant day so I can get on that road to being healthy again. My doctors at UW Hospital in Madison have notified me that I could be receiving a call for a Kidney/Pancreas transplant any day now – I am one of the top three on the waiting list. This transplant will save my life and give me back the quality of life I miss so much, but it will also be a huge financial burden on my family. Even with insurance, there will be many out-of-pocket costs for us, including travel and relocation to Madison, doctor visits, and the costly immunosuppressant medications I will have to take for the rest of my life.
To help offset such expenses, this fundraising campaign in my honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a trusted nonprofit that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the North-Central Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only.
To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.
For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399.
As difficult as it is for me, I am humbly reaching out to you for your assistance. Thank you so much for reading and sharing my story. My family and I appreciate your generosity and support.
PRAISE GOD!!
On Wednesday 10/21/15, we received a call at 6:20AM from UW-Madison that we missed!! Thankfully, we were up and bout less than 20 mins after that initial call and were on the phone with the Transplant Coordinator seconds after we realized who just called.
They have a donor...and gave us only 3 hours to get to the hospital!! We arrived shortly before 10AM and we were escorted to that familiar unit. As soon as we arrived, the team kicked into high gear getting Harold prepped. Several members of his surgical team came up to speak with us and told us the organs were in house and they were going to start looking over each one to ensure they were A+. As we waited, I was telling Harold how the drive up felt so surreal. There were certain areas on the drive up that I did not recall seeing but when I saw them it was if a bright light was shining on these areas. Maybe it was just the change of seasons? I look back now and know it was God shining his rays to tell me, this was it...I still get chills.
7:00PM - Dr walks in (wearing scrubs = good sign) and the hairs on my body start to stand. He's asking Harold how he feels, checking his belly - getting an overall feel and he tells us the organs look great. They are one of the best they've ever seen. Are you ready? The tears start to fall. He says, prep will start in the next 2-5 hours. 7:30PM we were already in the OR waiting room! 8:56PM, first incision was made and by 2:03AM on 10/22/15 they were closing him up and would be up in his room within 2 hours. 2:32 AM Attending met with me, mom, dad and Hazel to give us the good news. Everything looks good, organs kicked into high gear immediately. 3:33AM Harold is back in his room, groggy but alert and so happy to see his parents and sister had made it to greet him on his P/K day!! Recovery in hospital was literally 7 days. We're home now and he's recovering well. His spirits are high and he is now saying he feels like a new man. He has a mission to pay it forward - possibly part of a support group and/or be a mentor? There is no limit now!
He has a new lease on life and will be on meds for the rest of his life. We are so thankful for your ongoing support. We are forever grateful...
We've just about reached our 2nd goal. Thank you so much to all of you who have donated thus far!! Harold and I are forever grateful...
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS AND REACHING MY GOAL OF $1000 NOW LETS GET TO MY NEXT GOAL!!..ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU!!!!..HAROLD
We were called in on Sat, Sept 5 to UW Hospital in Madison for a possible Kidney/Pancreas transplant. But sadly, it was not a good pancreas to be transplanted. I would like to thank the donor and the family for the gift of life.
Praying for speedy recovery. God Bless
Joan Ong and family
Hello Harold and Althea,
We are so happy that the double organ transplant was successful. We will continue to remember you in our prayers and that you health will be fully restored.
Tita Baby & Tito Eddie
Sending prayers and hugs!
Deborah Webster
Hello Kuya,
I hope you get well soon.
Jr and Jackie.
Jr. Santiago
Hi Kuya Harold!
I know that this is an enormous challenge for you and your family. But it is truly affirming is that you keep the optimism, hope and faith to the Lord that things will fall into place and there's always a ray of sunshine coming. Therefore, it is very admirable and inspiring.
Keep in mind that your family is here, including your cousin from the "Archipelago of 7,107 Islands". Even if we're miles and islands away, I am here for you because you're one of my great cousin, who's like a big brother to me. :-)
Stay strong and keep the faith! Take care cousin.
All the best,
GLADYS
Gladys Santiago
Harold,
Continue to keep the faith. He's got you...
Lots of love, brother
The Tacadena Family
Praying for you Harold. Hopefully you will find a match soon. Stay strong and know that you are in our prayers.
Manny Gutierrez
Althea and Harold, I send you my good vibes. I wish you the best. Be well.
Bill Kuecks
You guys got this! It's so close, sending up prayers for the whole family.
Jessica Bonadonna
You'll beat this bro. I know your a fighter and God will see you through. I'm here for you.Take care Harold !
Ryan Castillejos
Wishing you all the best
Arnel Castillo
Im praying for you and your family!
natthinee sullivan
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Harold Santiago
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Donor preference is important to us. Please specify in writing if you wish for your name or donation amount to be kept private.
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