End Stage Renal Disease Treatment - Dialysis
Donation protected
My name is Chibuokem and this is my story.
In August of 2015, I came to the United States to obtain my master’s degree. During my graduate studies, I was fortunate enough to secure a position as a graduate assistant. Outside of my GA duties, I enjoyed helping other students achieve their academic goals as well, through tutoring and sharing advice …I was always happy to be of support. With all the blessings and the growth happening in my life, I never expected that in March of 2017, I would go to the hospital for what I expected to be the flu and leave with a diagnosis of kidney disease (focal segmental glomerusclerosis).
Through the turbulent treatment process, I was able to successfully attain my degree. But with this degree, my visa quickly expired. So as not to violate the terms of my status, I decided to travel to Canada to begin the renewal process. Unfortunately, I was denied, leaving me stuck in Canada while I appeal the decision and re-apply.
Despite the plethora of struggles, my focus has been solely on maintaining my health. My current diagnosis is end-stage kidney disease, with a glomerular filtration rate of 5 mL/min. This diagnosis requires that I undergo dialysis three times a week. Since I don’t qualify for Canadian health insurance, these treatments must be paid in full. This, of course, has quickly become a financial burden that my family and I can no longer bear alone. Currently, I am getting only one of the three required treatments on a weekly basis, and that alone has exhausted all of my funds.
Unfortunately, returning to my home country is also not an option as we lack adequate facilities for frequent dialysis treatment. Furthermore, overcrowded facilities with the necessary equipment have wait lists so long that the chance of treatment as often as I need it is slim.
At this moment, I am asking for your help with paying for my medical expenses. The cost of dialysis treatment per visit is $2,090. I am supposed to be getting treatments three times a week, which puts me at $6,270 a week. As a recent graduate, I cannot afford these expenses so frequently and my parents in my home country are trying their best to support me. I would sincerely appreciate any amount that is within your means to give.
Despite the many obstacles, God’s grace sustained me, allowing me to complete my master’s program with a 3.883 GPA. My role as GA served as an even greater blessing when I was hired full time. I hoped to work in this position for a while and then eventually pursue a doctorate degree in Information Security and Privacy. I believe that because God’s grace has brought me this far, He will finish what He has started in my life. If you cannot donate but would still like to help, you can share my GoFundMe link on social media to spread the word. Thank you so much for reading and for considering donating or sharing this page.
In August of 2015, I came to the United States to obtain my master’s degree. During my graduate studies, I was fortunate enough to secure a position as a graduate assistant. Outside of my GA duties, I enjoyed helping other students achieve their academic goals as well, through tutoring and sharing advice …I was always happy to be of support. With all the blessings and the growth happening in my life, I never expected that in March of 2017, I would go to the hospital for what I expected to be the flu and leave with a diagnosis of kidney disease (focal segmental glomerusclerosis).
Through the turbulent treatment process, I was able to successfully attain my degree. But with this degree, my visa quickly expired. So as not to violate the terms of my status, I decided to travel to Canada to begin the renewal process. Unfortunately, I was denied, leaving me stuck in Canada while I appeal the decision and re-apply.
Despite the plethora of struggles, my focus has been solely on maintaining my health. My current diagnosis is end-stage kidney disease, with a glomerular filtration rate of 5 mL/min. This diagnosis requires that I undergo dialysis three times a week. Since I don’t qualify for Canadian health insurance, these treatments must be paid in full. This, of course, has quickly become a financial burden that my family and I can no longer bear alone. Currently, I am getting only one of the three required treatments on a weekly basis, and that alone has exhausted all of my funds.
Unfortunately, returning to my home country is also not an option as we lack adequate facilities for frequent dialysis treatment. Furthermore, overcrowded facilities with the necessary equipment have wait lists so long that the chance of treatment as often as I need it is slim.
At this moment, I am asking for your help with paying for my medical expenses. The cost of dialysis treatment per visit is $2,090. I am supposed to be getting treatments three times a week, which puts me at $6,270 a week. As a recent graduate, I cannot afford these expenses so frequently and my parents in my home country are trying their best to support me. I would sincerely appreciate any amount that is within your means to give.
Despite the many obstacles, God’s grace sustained me, allowing me to complete my master’s program with a 3.883 GPA. My role as GA served as an even greater blessing when I was hired full time. I hoped to work in this position for a while and then eventually pursue a doctorate degree in Information Security and Privacy. I believe that because God’s grace has brought me this far, He will finish what He has started in my life. If you cannot donate but would still like to help, you can share my GoFundMe link on social media to spread the word. Thank you so much for reading and for considering donating or sharing this page.
Organizer
Chibuokem Ilechukwu
Organizer
Beltsville, MD
