Brendan Nishimura(Kolybaba) Medical Fundraiser
On behalf of our family and friends, we are fundraising for Brendan Nishimura (Kolybaba). Anyone who knows Brendan knows how genuinely kind, caring, passionate, and truly amazing he is. You may know Brendan from Jojo's Cafe, Elvis' Fine Jewelry, Osoyoos Home Building Center, and many other local events such as Open Mic nights and much more.
Brendan recently married his wife, Iori, and welcomed their son Kanato, who is turning one on August 30. After obtaining a new job at Kelowna Home Hardware, their family purchased their first home.
Unfortunately, Brendan began to experience some troubling medical issues and was diagnosed with a very new disease called MOGAD. The disease is an inflammatory condition that causes inflammation of the optic nerve, but can also cause inflammation of the spinal column and brain. What Brendan thought was a back injury was actually the disease attacking his body, and caused him to lose function of his feet and legs, affected the use of his bladder, and has also affected many other functions of his body. He is currently unable to walk or eat solid food and has extreme nervous system issues causing spasms and pain. He was recently moved to the hospital rehabilitation center and is slowly relearning how to walk.
Because the disease is so new, his medication is not currently covered by BC Healthcare/Pharmacare. The medication he needs is essential to his recovery and comfort. Him and his family are facing medical bills of up to $40,000 a year, as each injection of Rituximab is $10,000 and he will need four a year. There is possibility of special access funding, but is not guaranteed.
Brendan is an amazing person. His positivity, especially during these times, is truly amazing. He will not be able to celebrate his sons first birthday with him, and his interactions with his wife and family are very limited due to COVID regulations. We are hoping to remove some of the financial stress from their lives so Brendan can focus on getting better and back to his family.
If you are unable to donate, please consider donating your plasma at Orchard Park Mall in Kelowna .
If you are interested in learning more about MOGAD, visit www.wearesrna.org
Thank you.
