Leopoldo Villarreal Jr.

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.

To help offset this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in my 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 South-Central Kidney Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. To make a donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.

Keep an eye on my campaign page because we will be planning fundraising events and will post regular updates.

I really look forward to having my transplant surgery and getting my life back, especially returning to work. Thank you for your kind consideration of support.