Albert Dutra Sr.

*****UPDATE*****

We are pleased to share our news that Albert received his Gift of Life – his heart and kidney transplant – on Friday, April 26th! Thank you all for your support of our continued need to fundraise. See bottom of page for updates.

~ Albert Jr. and Family

*****UPDATE*****

Dear Family and Friends,

We are writing to thank you for your continued prayers and support for our dad, Albert Dutra, Sr. as he continues to face many health battles. In 2007, Dad began to experience increased difficulty catching his breath resulting in multiple hospitalizations. A surgically implanted pacemaker regulated his heart for almost three years but by September of 2012, we all felt he was again showing signs of low energy and difficulty with day to day chores and conversation. After months of testing, doctors diagnosed him with congestive heart failure and it was decided that he would need a new heart. An LVAD now mechanically keeps his heart pumping as he awaits a heart and kidney transplant, his only chance for survival.

Dad is an outgoing, enthusiastic man who loves his family and friends, and his ’65 Chevelle. Taking road trips and showing his car are two of his most favorite pastimes. Dad is also a fighter! Battling illness is not new to Dad. In 1997 he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, went into remission after chemotherapy only for the disease to return in 1999. But he soldiered on and after a bone marrow transplant and months of chemotherapy he was cured! We were so happy to celebrate his 12 year remission this August 2012.

Dad has been disabled and unable to work since 2007. The lack of his income has been difficult for our parents. Since his treatment began, our mom stopped working to be caregiver to dad. She has had to rent an apartment in Palo Alto to be near him, and the cost of keeping a home in two places without sufficient income is proving to be a challenge we cannot face alone. The cost of the transplant surgery itself is staggering. The cost of survival is even more expensive. Post-transplant medications alone will be close to $3,000 a month initially, and will remain costly for the rest of our dad’s life. Our family is in need of your help!

Due to the astronomical expenses associated with transplantation, a fundraising campaign in dad’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Southwest Heart / Kidney Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider making a donation today.Thank you for your consideration in our desperate attempt to give our dad more time here with his wife, kids, and grandkids. Our family thanks you for your generosity, support and prayers.

Albert Dutra, Jr. and Amanda Dutra-Avila (209-585-8020)