03/29/2021
Dialysis is a life saving option for many children, but it does take a toll on the children and their families. I have seen it firsthand how they must deal with dialysis and how it affects their school, development, social skills and growth. They must be vigilant about their fluid intake, food restriction of sodium/potassium/phosphorus intake, along with taking various medications so that their iron levels are up, acid/base and electrolytes are in balance, blood pressure is close to normal, and they continue to have linear growth, amongst so many other issues.
While at Univ of Florida, in Gainesville, FL, I had the opportunity to take care of many children on dialysis. These children are very vibrant and strong-willed, who struggle everyday for a "normal" life. While at UF, I had the opportunity to take care of Andy. He had come to the pediatric ICU in heart failure and required intensive care and therapy. He required ECMO (artifical heart/lung machine) and dialysis for over 1 year!! He was in the ICU for almost 2 years, and with the care of many doctors, nurses and therapists, he was able to leave the hospital and be with his family! However, during that time, Andy had to receive a heart transplant since his heart never recovered. Even though he had the heart transplant, his kidneys were damaged to the point of no return. He continues on dialysis today, 3 times a week, for about 3-4 hours.
To get off dialysis and have any resemblance of normal childhood life, his only option is to have a kidney transplant. However, kidney transplant is a very expensive procedure and difficult process. His family has set up a GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/71e3bf43
to raise money for his kidney transplant medical expenses.
I hope that you will take the time to read and contribute, any amount is greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Help me to complete my miracle! Andy Herrera Reyes Story UF Health … Karen Reyes needs your support for Andy M. Herrera Reyes help me complete my miracle!
#}