A lifetime of chronic kidney disease

Homer Galido is only 48 years old. He was diagnosed with adult onset diabetes (type 2) when he was 21. In 2016, he suffered a stroke, but he was able to continue working until last Nov 2017, when he was separated. He has been deteriorating slowly from the stroke and from severe diabetes that has been causing microvascular complications: eye, kidney and nerve disease.

In June of this year, he had to undergo emergency dialysis. He is currently suffering from chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5) due to his diabetes, and now dialysis is required three times a week. He also receives a vaccine twice a week to avoid transfusions.

Each dialysis session costs P4,200.00 He needs 3 each week. Each dialyzer is good for 8 sessions and costs P3,800.00

For the rest of his life.

He is a registered PWD and so is able to avail of some discounts.
Because he was unable to continue paying for his Philhealth when he was separated from work, he is currently trying to work on reinstating Philhealth benefits. However, Philhealth only provides for 90 sessions per year, if they can work out the reinstatement. And even then, it will not cover the 150+ sessions a year that Homer will need.

PCSO provides five sessions per month and he has been able to avail of some free sessions despite the long process involved.

Homer will need dialysis for the rest of his life. The option of a kidney transplant is still under study, especially with the challenge of Homer being diabetic. His partner has been tested negative for compatibility and there is no possible donor for now -- if and when it becomes medically possible. And even then the price of the procedure may be prohibitive.

Homer also needs surgery because the catheter in his neck may only remain for 3 months or he faces a greater risk of infection. The amount needed for the OPD surgery is 48k.

Homer is currently receiving a monthly disability pension from SSS that covers some of his daily needs. There is very little assistance from the family who have their own medical financial challenges. His partner of six years works to provide for all the utility bills, food, medicines, supplements, and the costs of having a helper and a relative who assist in the care of Homer when his partner is at work. The four of them (partner, househelper, nephew, son) are the team that provides the care and physical support – carrying Homer to transport to the hospital, bathing, lifting, feeding.

It is hard to provide a total amount required that would not be shocking because the situation is an ongoing one. A few friends provide what they can in cash and kind, but we need a wider base to raise whatever can be raised to see Homer and his partner through the tough times and provide some hope for the future. Right now I am putting down the target amount as 500k. That should be able to see him through the neck surgery and 3-4 months of medical needs, if unable to get immediate assistance from Philhealth or PCSO. Any money raised will be stretched to the limit for his medical concerns.

I started this campaign with the knowledge and agreement of Homer and his partner Tess. The funds donated through this site will go to my PayPal account (neither of them have PayPal.) Everything will be thoroughly accounted, with the assistance of Lillian V, Homer's former boss. [I have known Homer for almost 20 years and Lillian for over 25 years when we all worked in Ateneo de Manila.]

PLEASE NOTE: This page provides convenience for those who wish to pay via PayPal. HOWEVER, Paypal takes a fee that is deducted from the donation, which is a shame.

To circumvent that fee, direct deposits can be made to:
Homer Galido BPI Family Bank SA# 6476137967

However if direct deposits will be made, please inform me through my email address: [email protected] so I can keep track of amounts and post an update here. I will be coordinating with Tess and Lil so that all donations are recorded and accounted for and totals will be posted on this site.

Please email me for other options for donation in cash or kind and I will put you in touch with Homer/Tess.

Thank you for reading through this message and for the kind donations I know you will readily give. May you receive blessings in multiple ways for your generosity.

** The last photo was taken in 2014, when Homer had not yet suffered from a stroke and when he was not aware of his kidney disease.