#DariusJourney to fight Kidney Disease

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. Desmond Tutu

On February 6th, Darius walked into the hospital complaining of swelling and pain. He was diagnosed with a sinus infection prescribed antibiotics and over the counter medications and sent home. The very next day, he went to work and worked his entire shift. After clocking out, he sat down to rest and couldn’t move. The swelling was now throughout his body. He began to vomit and could barely breathe. A coworker transported him to a different hospital where he was admitted immediately. His blood pressure was 200/100. He was severely anemic and his organs had begun to shutdown. 

The physicians determined that his body was in full attack mode and thus causing his organs to shut down. The doctors began running a multitude of tests. Darius was given two blood transfusions, a platelet exchange and began immune suppression therapy. After a two week hospitalization, daily testing and hourly lab work, the physicians determined that  Darius has a rare autoimmune disorder. Most of his organs recovered but not the kidneys. Overnight, his entire life changed. 

Darius  was re-hospitalized again on March 26th and has been in the hospital every since.  He’s undergone a procedure to remove blood clots and vegetation from his heart. He receives dialysis 3 days per week, 12 oral medications and 2 intravenously. 

Darius will soon be transferred to a long-term care medical facility where he’ll continue to receive medical treatment. He’ll need to undergo genetic testing to better narrow down his autoimmune disorder. He has a secondary diagnosis of MPGN Type 1.

In in less than 2 months, Darius has advanced to Stage 5 kidney failure. He will need a kidney transplant once his immune system is under control. He’s in pain daily but he’s also resilient and a fighter. His family stands strong to support him on this journey. 

The funds will be used to cover his medical testing, treatments, medications and his personal expenses. 

The medical bills will continue to increase but there are other non-financial needs as well. If you’d like to assist but can’t contribute financially, he’s always in need of blankets, socks, pajamas, port-friendly shirts, t-shirts and socks. He’s also on a specialized diet and can only eat freshly prepared foods - low sodium, low potassium, phosphorus-free and dairy-free.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11

We know that this journey is not over. We pray for strength and healing. We thank you in advance for any and all support that you may provide.

~Darius’s Family