Mauricio's Dialysis Treatment Fund

Mauricio Carmona (Back Row Center)came to Canada a year ago pursuing any inmigrant's dream "to stay and live in this wonderful country." Mauricio left his native Venezuela fleeing political turmoil and the largest humanitarian crisis the country has ever seen.  He and his spouse did everything right, prepared and planned the trip with enough time in advance; they even bought health insurance required by the type of visa he and his spouse had been granted. A few days ago Mauricio started having kidney issues, but did not pay much attention to it thinking it was just something temporary and it would eventually go away.  Today, September 14 Mauricio checked in at Oakville General Hospital; his health took a turn for the worse and he requires an urgent dialysis treatment that he is not able to afford.  Each dialysis session is $500 and his student insurance does not cover this treatment. Mauricio will require dialysis for the rest of his life but the priority right now is keeping him alive and in stable health.  At the moment, Mauricio is not medically able to travel back home, and due to the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, even when his condition improves enough for travel, we don't know whether treatment will be available there.  We need to raise enough funds for  at least six months' worth of treatment, that is the priority for now.  Although Mauricio and family realize  the road ahead is long and full of unknowns, they know deep in their hearts that this country is full of generous people willing to do good things and help the most needed in times when they need help.  We don't know when Mauricio will be able to function at his previous levels, and so between employment uncertainty and the expected lengthy timelines associated with securing any insurance funding, financial unknowns compound the overarching health issues.

Mauricio is a great guy, hard working to the extend of  supporting his spouse through college so that they both can realize their dream to remain in Canada and be great contributor to this society. Full  of optimisn and sorrounded by people who really care about him, Mauricio is a fighter.  However, anything we can do to alleviate the significant financial pressure ahead will no doubt be very helpful and greatly appreciated by him and  family.  Although we have  set a specific funding goal for this campaign – we just know that significant financial impact will be inevitable, and we know many people want to help in some way. Thank you for any assistance you are able to offer.