Another Chance at Living

My sister, Jeremiah Jayme, is diagnosed with end-stage renal disease or chronic kidney disease secondary to lgA NEPHROPATHY this year.

IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease, is a kidney disease that occurs when IgA deposits build up in the kidneys, causing inflammation that damages kidney tissues. IgA is an antibody—a protein made by the immune system to protect the body from foreign substances such as bacteria or viruses. In her case, her kidneys no longer work well enough to keep her system healthy. When a person’s kidneys fail, he or she needs a transplant or blood-filtering treatments called dialysis.

Since my sister's kidney function is at 10%, she has to be ready for a transplant or dialysis while waiting for a living donor. Hence, she decided to get a minor surgery wherein she’ll need minor surgery to create direct access to her bloodstream. The safest and less expensive option is for her to get Fistula (also known as arteriovenous fistula or A-V fistula): An artery and vein are joined together under the skin in her arm. An A-V fistula needs 6 weeks or longer to heal before it can be used for hemodialysis. Then, it can be used for many years. This surgery will cost us P60,000, this is already deducted with Philhealth.

Right now, my sister is trying her best to slow down the damages by eating healthier and having a positive mindset. She is experiencing edema all over her body since she's taking corticosteroids, which is an autoimmune suppressant. This means she is prone in getting infections and bacteria.

Her hemoglobin is now very low, she doesn't want to get a blood transfusion as this can weaken her even further. She is being injected with Epoetin Alfa (P700.00 each vial) once a week which is being used to treat her severe anemia.

I have posted GCASH and BPI QR codes for an alternate and faster mode of donating. Thank you for the kindness.