Donate to Erick Perez's Journey to Health and Home

Hello, my name is Erick Perez, and I am a 41-year-old man navigating the difficult journey of living with kidney failure. For nearly 13 years, I have been on dialysis three times a week, a process that has taken a significant toll on my body and spirit. In the early stages of my diagnosis, I managed to maintain a sense of normalcy in my life, juggling my health challenges along with work and daily responsibilities. However, as the years have progressed, I have found my health declining, making day-to-day activities increasingly challenging.

The decision to stop working was one of the hardest choices I've ever made. Eventually, the fatigue from my dialysis sessions became overwhelming, and I realized that I could no longer keep up with the demands of a job. Each day presents unique hurdles that I try to overcome.

Initially, I lived with my father, who supported me through my condition. However, he decided to leave the country to pursue a new life with his wife and child, which left me alone to face my struggles. Afterward, I moved in with my uncle, hoping for a supportive environment, but that turned out to be quite the opposite. My uncle wouldn't allow me to use the kitchen, which made it difficult for me to prepare food suitable for my medical needs. Even though he was aware of my situation and the fact that I wasn't working, he insisted on charging me rent and demanded payment for bills, adding an unnecessary burden to my already heavy load. Ultimately, the situation became untenable, and I was forced to leave his home, finding myself couch-surfing at friends' houses and constantly looking for a stable place to stay.

During this challenging period, my sister learned about my health struggles. Understanding the gravity of my situation, she invited me to live with her. However, we both face our own set of difficulties—she has recently lost her job and is actively looking for work. The job market is tough right now, and her ongoing search has been met with a series of rejections, putting us in a precarious financial position. This situation has created a palpable tension as we try to support each other while dealing with our respective struggles.

Given the challenges we face, I am reaching out for help through a GoFundMe campaign. We urgently need support to get back on our feet, pay our rent, cover essential bills, and put food on the table. My primary wish is to continue living with my sister, who is the only remaining family member I can rely on in this difficult time. Both of us need to have each other’s support as we navigate these challenges together. Any assistance would bring us one step closer to regaining stability and peace in our lives. Thank you for taking the time to hear my story.