Sheila’s Kidney Treatment Fund

It was way back February 13, 2017 when our cousin found out on her laboratory result that her creatinine level was above normal. Prior to that, she had been taking medications for hypertension for 6 months. Upon finding out, she sought for series of treatments and medications for few months and was instructed by her doctor to have an ultrasound that was done on August 17, 2017. Unfortunately, the findings was Beginning Diffuse Renal Parenchymal Disease or in layman's term: CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE. There is no cure for CKD and the treatment usually consists of measures to help control signs and symptoms, reduce complications and slow progression of the disease. If kidneys become severely damaged, treatment for end-stage kidney disease is needed which is either hemodialysis or kidney transplant.

It was on January 2018 when she decided to go home, as she was working as an OFW in UAE to support herself for her own treatment. During her stay here, the expenses for the treatment is higher than what she expected so she decided to go back again to work in UAE in May 2018 to save money so that she could undergo kidney biopsy. It was February 2019 when enough money was gathered and the procedure was done. Sadly, the result was unfavorable on her part. An antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA) has built up and it destroyed her kidneys, which is also known as IgA Nephropathy. Her kidney function test also dropped to 20%.

She then decided to go home and stay here for good because we all know how hard it is for a person to work and survive in a foreign country while you have an incurable disease and you are hundred miles away from your family. Series of consultations and treatments were done at National Kidney and Transplant Institute. Doctors then decided that a minor surgery was needed just in case that she had unexpected emergency dialysis while looking for a kidney donor. Arteriovenous Fistula (AV Fistula) on her left arm was made but unfortunately, it didn't last long.

This month of June 2019, we found a donor but series of tests (blood typing, tissue typing and cross-matching) are required. It is very expensive and we are finding a lot of ways to raise fund for the procedure. If the donor's kidney will be compatible with our cousin, kidney transplant can be started. After the surgery, she needs to take immunosuppressant medicines (which is also very costly) to lower the body's ability to reject a transplanted organ. As of now, the kidney function of our cousin goes down to 5% and emergency dialysis was already done.

All our families are fighting for her life and struggling to raise fund for her kidney treatment. We are all doing the best that we can to help our cousin to extend her dear life. We know that this situation really hits hard on us but we believe that our God is bigger than our struggles. We believe that God will use an instrument to help us surpass this difficulty that we are facing right now. We are all humbly asking for donations, in any amount, small or big. We know that it'll be a big help for us and we will be forever grateful for the kindness that you will share.

"Those who bless others will be abundantly blessed themselves; those who help others are helped."

-Proverbs 11:25

For any help or donations, you may deposit to the following bank details:

Account Name: SHEILA F LACABA

Account Number: 1819-1826-19

Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands

Branch: Makati Main Branch

We are also asking all of you to please include our cousin in your prayers. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and God bless!!!