Help Derrick Fight aHUS
Donation protected
On July 10, 2014, Derrick was diagnosed with aHUS (Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome). It's a progressive, rare genetic disease that is caused by an over stimulated complement system which is the defensive branch of the bodies immune system that seeks out, destroys and removes foreign or infected particles. As a result of having aHUS, carriers are often struck with heart, lung or kidney complications. Derrick was fortunate enough to have to deal with the least life threatening of the three.
Derrick's last day of work was July 9th, 2014. He then started the long and exhausting road to recovery. His life saving treatments included 14 days in intensive care, 7 blood transfusions, 7 plasma infusions, 2 years of hemo dialysis, 1 year of parietal peritoneal dialysis and now reaching 3 years and 6 months of chemo infusions and several meds to keep my blood pressure in check.
As of today, he has a combined kidney function of 35% and is nearing stage 5 kidney disease. The plan to move ahead with a possible transplant has not been finalized as to the unknown nature of aHUS. The possibilities of it causing damage to any transplant he may receive is very high.
At the time, he had been approved for full disability, kidney failure being listed as terminal made things move pretty smooth and he was without financial aid for a short time. The disability covered $1200 a month, which to some may seem like enough to maintain a simple life. He was confined to home and doctors offices so it definitely covered gas and food. Because he was a dialysis patient he was able to qualify for assistance programs to help cover a majority of his medical expenses.
As of today he has made enough progress that he is no longer required to do either form of dialysis, thankfully, but he is still required to stick to a strict chemo schedule of 14 day infusion cycles. Due to the terminal and progressive nature of aHUS there is no likely scenario that will show allow the chemo schedule to end.
Since he no needed dialysis, he has lost his qualifications to receive financial aid and upon making the choice to return to work he must give up his entitlement to disability payments.
His chemo treatments run $2600/month alone. Combined with his other financial responsibilities, his monthly expenses are very close to $5000/month.
Derrick has been apart of many peoples lives. As a family member, a friend, a co-worker or maybe he did the install on your families' car or boat. He has a gigantic heart and would give the shirt off his back to help anybody he could.
And now, I ask of you all to do the same for him. Anything at all to help him get through this difficult and tough situation. He's been dealing with this for years and will continue to do so. If there is anything you can do to help, please do.
Derrick's last day of work was July 9th, 2014. He then started the long and exhausting road to recovery. His life saving treatments included 14 days in intensive care, 7 blood transfusions, 7 plasma infusions, 2 years of hemo dialysis, 1 year of parietal peritoneal dialysis and now reaching 3 years and 6 months of chemo infusions and several meds to keep my blood pressure in check.
As of today, he has a combined kidney function of 35% and is nearing stage 5 kidney disease. The plan to move ahead with a possible transplant has not been finalized as to the unknown nature of aHUS. The possibilities of it causing damage to any transplant he may receive is very high.
At the time, he had been approved for full disability, kidney failure being listed as terminal made things move pretty smooth and he was without financial aid for a short time. The disability covered $1200 a month, which to some may seem like enough to maintain a simple life. He was confined to home and doctors offices so it definitely covered gas and food. Because he was a dialysis patient he was able to qualify for assistance programs to help cover a majority of his medical expenses.
As of today he has made enough progress that he is no longer required to do either form of dialysis, thankfully, but he is still required to stick to a strict chemo schedule of 14 day infusion cycles. Due to the terminal and progressive nature of aHUS there is no likely scenario that will show allow the chemo schedule to end.
Since he no needed dialysis, he has lost his qualifications to receive financial aid and upon making the choice to return to work he must give up his entitlement to disability payments.
His chemo treatments run $2600/month alone. Combined with his other financial responsibilities, his monthly expenses are very close to $5000/month.
Derrick has been apart of many peoples lives. As a family member, a friend, a co-worker or maybe he did the install on your families' car or boat. He has a gigantic heart and would give the shirt off his back to help anybody he could.
And now, I ask of you all to do the same for him. Anything at all to help him get through this difficult and tough situation. He's been dealing with this for years and will continue to do so. If there is anything you can do to help, please do.
Organizer and beneficiary
Brock Shegda
Organizer
Winter Garden, FL
Derrick Duval
Beneficiary
