Baby Derek was born in June 2014 with ARPKD (autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease). Autosomal recessive (ARPKD) is a relatively rare genetic disorder, occurring in approximately 1 in 20,000 individuals. Many babies with this disease are unable to make it past the first month of life. Baby Derek continues to fight hard against this disease and receives daily dialysis treatments. With a successful kidney donation, he will be able to begin a "normal" life.
Last February I heard about Derek's need for a kidney and as a mother, I felt compelled to help another mother with her baby son. I am thrilled to announce that I am a great match for Derek and have just recently received my final medical clearance to donate! We have our transplant date set for September 2015.
The baby's insurance will cover my surgery and hospital stay; however, there are many other expenses associated with being a kidney donor for Derek. Due to Derek's age, the only hospital that will perform the transplant on a one year old is Boston Children's Hospital, so I will need to travel to Boston from Florida for the pre-op, surgery and recovery (until I am cleared to fly home). My expenses will include flights, lodging and living expenses in Boston for me, my husband and son, and I am also hoping to offset some of my lost wages as I take a 6-8 week un-paid medical leave from my job . If I'm lucky enough to raise enough money, I plan to give anything I don't absolutely need to Derek's family for his continued care and medical expenses. As they are relocating to Massachusetts from Florida for a full year as Derek recovers.
Please help me make a difference in baby Derek's life..
Thank you & God Bless you all!
Ann Sousa
Baby Derek - met him for the first time this June 2015.
My son and I:
Last February I heard about Derek's need for a kidney and as a mother, I felt compelled to help another mother with her baby son. I am thrilled to announce that I am a great match for Derek and have just recently received my final medical clearance to donate! We have our transplant date set for September 2015.
The baby's insurance will cover my surgery and hospital stay; however, there are many other expenses associated with being a kidney donor for Derek. Due to Derek's age, the only hospital that will perform the transplant on a one year old is Boston Children's Hospital, so I will need to travel to Boston from Florida for the pre-op, surgery and recovery (until I am cleared to fly home). My expenses will include flights, lodging and living expenses in Boston for me, my husband and son, and I am also hoping to offset some of my lost wages as I take a 6-8 week un-paid medical leave from my job . If I'm lucky enough to raise enough money, I plan to give anything I don't absolutely need to Derek's family for his continued care and medical expenses. As they are relocating to Massachusetts from Florida for a full year as Derek recovers.
Please help me make a difference in baby Derek's life..
Thank you & God Bless you all!
Ann Sousa
Baby Derek - met him for the first time this June 2015.
My son and I:
Organizer
Ann Krach Sousa
Organizer
Pompano Beach, FL