Support Gerson's Fight Against Kidney Disease

Hello! My name is Gerson and my wife's name is Lieza, and I’m here to share my story, hoping for your compassion and support. Today, I invite you to stand with me in my battle against End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).

An Unexpected Journey

In 2018, my life changed when I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and hypertension at age 32. I started my medication and embarked on a fight against these health issues. Little did I know, the toughest part was yet to come.

The Year That Changed Everything

2020 brought a global pandemic that altered life as we knew it. Strict lockdown procedures in the Philippines, my home, made access to regular medical check-ups very difficult — in many cases, impossible. Even though things were tough, I kept going, determined to stay healthy.

Confronting Darkness

By late 2021, my health condition took a darker turn. I had constant headaches, nausea, and felt weak all the time. In January 2022, I found myself in the hospital, staring at lab results showing a staggering new reality that was difficult to accept—my kidneys were failing, and my blood levels were dangerous. 

During those vulnerable moments, I cried as I realized how serious my health situation was. I was faced with a choice—start dialysis right away or die. I chose dialysis, and they put a catheter in my collarbone to start the process. Later, they did a minor surgery, a fistula, to connect me to a dialysis machine—a lifeline that granted me a chance to keep fighting.

Life on Dialysis

My life now revolves around dialysis machines, hospital, and medications. Each day brings a new struggle to survive. The schedule is relentless—three days a week, for at least four hours a day, I am connected to a dialysis machine. But the challenges extend beyond those hours. Even on non-dialysis days, I struggle with the toll it takes on my body.

The reality of life on dialysis is painful and difficult, both physically and emotionally. Dialysis often causes my blood pressure to drop, leading to difficulty breathing, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Every meal requires careful consideration of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus levels. The bloating that accompanies the process adds general soreness. Simple joys like enjoying coffee with my wife or spontaneous outings with friends and families are now distant memories.

Living in the tropical Philippine heat and humidity makes fluid intake management even more challenging. Each drop is counted, every sip is measured. It’s a puzzle with no perfect solution, a balance between hydration and restriction. Fluid buildup has impacted my lungs, making each breath a conscious effort that can at times create mental panic and distress. This new challenge due to deteriorating body functions has forced me to seek treatment at the hospital.

Newly Added Struggles

Imagine the sensation of struggling to breathe, the weight of almost three liters of fluid pressing on your lungs. This was my reality until I underwent a thoracentesis procedure to remove excess fluid around the lungs. This helps reduce pressure on my lungs and allowing me to breathe more comfortably, if only temporarily.

However, my doctor has cautioned that this fluid will continue to accumulate until I receive the necessary treatment. On top of the dialysis treatment, which is vital for managing my condition, I also require ongoing medical care to address the persistent fluid buildup in my lungs. Life on dialysis and dealing with this fluid buildup is a significant adjustment, both physically and emotionally.

Hope Amidst Suffering: The Power of Love and Support

Yet, amidst it all, my hope for a better future persists. It's the unwavering support of my loving and patient wife, my incredible family, and friends—both those I've known forever and those I've yet to meet—that sustain me. And of course, our adopted furry companions, Blushy, GusGus, and Kyo, bring unparalleled joy even on the darkest days. I’m also very grateful for the kindness I have received from many doctors, nurses, and hospital staff. This love and support reminds me to overcome the pain and continue my journey towards a life-changing kidney transplant and.... NOT TO GIVE UP.

A Beacon of Hope

Despite these challenges, an unlikely source of hope has emerged. My cousin Raffy stepped forward as a living kidney donor—a selfless act offering a second chance at life. I never thought the opportunity of a matching transplant would be possible—the odds were mathematically close to zero! The dream of a kidney transplant ignites a spark within me—an opportunity to EMBRACE LIFE ONCE AGAIN.

Here is a picture of me and my cousin Raffy as we enter into this new journey.

The Road Ahead

Now that a healthy kidney transplant is within reach, there is one more mountain to climb. The cost of a kidney transplant—lab tests, surgery, and pre- and post-transplant care—are significant, and I cannot bear the burden without help. Your support, no matter how small, will make a profound impact on my journey.

Today, I stand before you, extending my deepest gratitude for your kindness, understanding, and empathy. Your contribution will not only change my life, but it will also remind me that I'm not alone in this battle against kidney disease. Your support will also alleviate the financial burden that both Raffy, my wife, and I will face during this kidney transplant journey. Your donation, your share, your act of kindness—each one will take me a step closer to HEALING AND RENEWAL.

Even if you are not in a position to help with financial means, your ability to share my story with others that can, could make the difference that saves my life.

Thank you for reading my story and considering joining me on this journey. Your kindness, compassion, generosity, and support mean the world to me and my family.

Warm regards,

Gerson

OUR GOAL:

As Gerson’s family and friends, it’s painful to see someone you love so full of life and dreams burdened by this condition. This is why we launched this GoFundMe campaign with the goal of raising $40,000. These funds will be directed toward covering the mounting medical expenses associated with Gerson’s kidney transplant, pre- and post-operative care, and the ongoing medical challenges he has bravely confronted. As medical costs continue to rise, your support becomes even more crucial.

Your generous contributions will directly impact Gerson’s life, turning this LIFE-SAVING KIDNEY TRANSPLANT a reality and allowing him to get back to doing what he loves most—LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST.

Additionally, your support will provide much needed financial assistance to both Gerson and Raffy during their recovery phase. Your kindness and compassion demonstrates that Gerson and Raffy’s courage and commitment to family are valued and appreciated.

WHY DONATE?

Gerson’s story is one of resilience, love, and the extraordinary power of family. By donating to this campaign, you’re not only helping Gerson regain his health, but will also help Gerson and Raffy, as family heads, to navigate the financial challenges of surgery and recovery. Your generosity will be a lifeline for two families unified by unwavering love and dedication, and we are profoundly grateful for your support.

WHERE YOUR MONEY IS GOING FOR GERSON'S MEDICAL EXPENSES

HOW YOU CAN HELP

GCASH DONATION OPTION:

For our family, friends, and supporters from the Philippines who want to make a difference in support of Gerson's kidney transplant, we've made it convenient for you to be part of this life-changing cause. Here's how you can donate:

Thank you for being with us. Together, we can make a significant impact on Gerson's life.

Sincerely,

Gerson’s Family and Friends

GERSON WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Life took an unexpected turn as soon as we embarked on our dream volunteer adventure. Now, we're on a new journey toward hope and healing. Help us rewrite our story with your support for a life-changing kidney transplant. #KidneyTransplantMission

Cherishing memories of travel and fun with my wife and our furry companions. CKD has limited me, but hope keeps us going. Support our journey towards better days. #CKDWarrior

Missing the fun moments with my only dear sister. CKD has brought challenges, but the bond between us remains strong. Hoping for brighter days ahead with lots of FAMILY LOVE. #SisterlyLove

Missing those unforgettable epic 3-point shots with my brother on the basketball court. CKD may have paused the game, but our brotherly bond and basketball memories remain forever treasured. #BrotherlyHoops

Through the ups and downs of CKD, Mama and Papa's enduring love, patience, and unwavering support have been our constant companions. #FamilyStrenght

FACTS ABOUT KIDNEY DISEASE (Source: www.kidney.org)