Gina's Kidney Transplant
Donation protected
My name is Gina Camerano, I'm a 41 year old mother of two that is now preparing for a live donor kidney transplant. As many of you know the past few years have been challenging to say the least. Having been diagnosed with Iga Nephropathy and as a result having developed kidney failure, high blood pressure and temporary congested heart failure in 2012. At the age of 38 my life, as well as my children's lives, were forever changed. Fortunately I was able to receive peritoneal dialysis which allowed me to raise my children and continue working for two more years as a medical sales representative, which I genuinely enjoyed given my contact and assistance with many patients. Now being a patient myself, I appreciate the time and care of positive and encouraging caregivers. I'm a firm believer in the power of having faith and hope, a positive attitude, knowledge and the importance of a strong support system. I'm blessed to have a strong support system which includes my children, family and friends to help me through the ups and downs. My two children, Ashlyn and Ryan are the reason I will continue to fight, heal and recover. I follow a strict renal and gluten free diet, detox and exercise within allowable, yet restricted, limits.
My goal is to bring awareness and education to those considering to become a live kidney donor. The benefits of a live donor vs. a deceased donor are substanstial. Typically a deceased kidney will extend the life of a recipient 10+ yrs. while a live kidney can result in 25+ years. This is generally speaking, and results vary. Both donations are a blessing and coming from a recipient's point of view, a true gift! You are saving a life and the ripple effect is also seen in their families as well. All testing and procedures are covered by the recipient's insurance. It's a series of blood, urine and physical examinations. The procedure is laparoscopic resulting in two small holes in the abdomen and typically removal through the belly button, very similar to a gallbladder removal. Recovery time is 1-2 days with lifting and exercising restrictions up to 6 wks depending on lifestyle and job requirements. I myself have experienced a kidney removal recently and I'm pleasantly surprised at the fast and simple recovery of that procedure with very little pain the next day. Having had two previous matches of gracious friends, matching is not a difficult process. Unfortunatley due to issues beyond our control, they were not able to donate yet the process gave me comfort in knowing San Antonio Methodist Transplant Hospital is strict on ensuring the donor's positive outcome without altering their well being.
I'm happy to announce I have been blessed and fortunate enought to have meet my live donor several months ago while visiting a mutual friend, Carrie Rowland in Austin. My donor, as I refer to her as my saving grace, Rebekah Jensen, has been generous enough to not only get tested after meeting me and my son once briefly at a BBQ, Rebekah and her husband Espen have also agreed to her donating a kidney to me on February 26, 2016. Talk about an unexpected miracle. Words can not express my gratitude and life long appreciation to her and her family for saving my life and forever changing my children's lives. I've had the pleasure of visiting with Rebekah since and her positive, energetic outlook and smile is contagious. Espen asked me how would this change my life and I couldn't express my gratitude without both of us tearing up. Espen went on to tell me how proud he is of his wife and it was at that moment that I realized how true love, appreciation and support of your significant other can have a posititve effect on their lives as well as another person's life such as my own. Rebekah is a healthy, vibrant woman and I'm blessed to now call her my life long friend. She is genuinely a kind hearted person and I'm honored to have her kidney lead the way to my healing and saving my life!
While testing, procedures and the donor's copays are covered by my insurance, copays, a portion of life long immunosuppresants, which can cost up to $4000 a month and out of pocket expense are not. Depending on the donor's vacation time and possible short term disability, a portion of their leave of employment may not be covered. For these reasons I'm looking to raise funds to cover those expenses which Rebekah and I have roughly estimated. Any amount is greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey and may you and your family be blesseed with health and happiness.
With my deepest gratitude,
Gina Camerano
My goal is to bring awareness and education to those considering to become a live kidney donor. The benefits of a live donor vs. a deceased donor are substanstial. Typically a deceased kidney will extend the life of a recipient 10+ yrs. while a live kidney can result in 25+ years. This is generally speaking, and results vary. Both donations are a blessing and coming from a recipient's point of view, a true gift! You are saving a life and the ripple effect is also seen in their families as well. All testing and procedures are covered by the recipient's insurance. It's a series of blood, urine and physical examinations. The procedure is laparoscopic resulting in two small holes in the abdomen and typically removal through the belly button, very similar to a gallbladder removal. Recovery time is 1-2 days with lifting and exercising restrictions up to 6 wks depending on lifestyle and job requirements. I myself have experienced a kidney removal recently and I'm pleasantly surprised at the fast and simple recovery of that procedure with very little pain the next day. Having had two previous matches of gracious friends, matching is not a difficult process. Unfortunatley due to issues beyond our control, they were not able to donate yet the process gave me comfort in knowing San Antonio Methodist Transplant Hospital is strict on ensuring the donor's positive outcome without altering their well being.
I'm happy to announce I have been blessed and fortunate enought to have meet my live donor several months ago while visiting a mutual friend, Carrie Rowland in Austin. My donor, as I refer to her as my saving grace, Rebekah Jensen, has been generous enough to not only get tested after meeting me and my son once briefly at a BBQ, Rebekah and her husband Espen have also agreed to her donating a kidney to me on February 26, 2016. Talk about an unexpected miracle. Words can not express my gratitude and life long appreciation to her and her family for saving my life and forever changing my children's lives. I've had the pleasure of visiting with Rebekah since and her positive, energetic outlook and smile is contagious. Espen asked me how would this change my life and I couldn't express my gratitude without both of us tearing up. Espen went on to tell me how proud he is of his wife and it was at that moment that I realized how true love, appreciation and support of your significant other can have a posititve effect on their lives as well as another person's life such as my own. Rebekah is a healthy, vibrant woman and I'm blessed to now call her my life long friend. She is genuinely a kind hearted person and I'm honored to have her kidney lead the way to my healing and saving my life!
While testing, procedures and the donor's copays are covered by my insurance, copays, a portion of life long immunosuppresants, which can cost up to $4000 a month and out of pocket expense are not. Depending on the donor's vacation time and possible short term disability, a portion of their leave of employment may not be covered. For these reasons I'm looking to raise funds to cover those expenses which Rebekah and I have roughly estimated. Any amount is greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey and may you and your family be blesseed with health and happiness.
With my deepest gratitude,
Gina Camerano
Organizer
Gina Camerano
Organizer
El Paso, TX