Can you help Cynthia with her Kidney Transplant?

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

– Hebrews 11:1

Dear All,

My mother, Cynthia Marie B. Galang, has been suffering from chronic kidney disease for almost three (3) years now. Over time, this illness has gotten worse causing her kidneys to not fully function enough to keep her well. Before her kidneys eventually fail her, treatment options are limited to either dialysis or an eventual kidney transplant.

Upon the advice of her doctors, she will soon need regular dialysis treatment. The best option for her is a kidney transplant, as it would offer her more freedom and the ability to live a normal life. It would also give her more time to spend with her family and friends.

Finding a kidney donor for a transplant is not easy and time is not on our side. There are 100,000 plus people on the waiting list for a deceased donor kidney like her. Some wait for years; many die while waiting. The average waiting time is five years for a kidney from a deceased donor. Her other option is receiving a kidney from a living donor.Kidney from a living donor typically lasts longer and has better function.

Here’s some basic information about living kidney donation:

• You only need one kidney to live a healthy, long life.
• There will be a team of healthcare professionals to evaluate you as a living donor. Their job is to help you understand the risks and benefits and look out for your best interests.
• Most donor surgery is done by laparoscopy, meaning through tiny incisions.
• The recuperation period is usually quick, generally two weeks.
• The cost of your evaluation and surgery will be covered.

Aside from a kidney donor, one of our challenges is the cost. More or less, we will need PhP2.5 Million for the pre/post transplantation, medications and living allowance since she will be on medical leave for 3- 6 months.

If donating a kidney to my mother is something you would like to consider, she would be more than happy to tell you more about her story and explore the process of determining if you are a match for her (Blood Type A+). Should you have inquiries, you may also contact her nephrologist, Dr. Vicente Tanseco directly at Rm. 3233, 3^rd Floor, Doctor’s Clinic, Annex 2 Bldg., East Ave., Quezon City, National Kidney & Transplant Institute with contact number 981-0400 local 3233.

A living kidney donation may not be right for everyone — but you can still help by making a cash donation via the following:

Paypal account: paypal.me/cbgalang

Bank transfer: For security purposes, please contact me directly for bank account details

You may also help by being an organ donor after death and/or help us by sharing her story with everyone you know. At the very least I want to bring awareness to kidney disease and possible ways of kidney donation.

Seeking favor from the Lord, I am hopeful my efforts will help her receive a kidney sooner and encourage others to consider helping the many people on the wait list.

Thank you very much in advance.

Yours sincerely,

Carl Lou Dean B. Galang

P.S.

You can learn more about kidney donation on the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI).website: http://www.nkti.gov.ph/index.php/services/specialty-centers/health-information/liver-transplant. If you want to talk to someone who’s already donated a kidney, NKTI can also help.