Help Mary Afford Kidney Replacement

In early 2014 I met Mary on the Red Cross Typhoon Haiyan response in the Philippines. At the time she was a 17 year old local volunteer, working 15 hour days alongside responders even though she had lost family members in the storm.

During the operation she slept in the Red Cross office at night because of the condition of her home. Despite what she went through, she was an unwaveringly positive, dedicated presence. Her detailed work played a key role in what remains one of the largest emergency financial assistance programs the Red Cross has ever carried out. While she carried this huge workload she always made sure we had enough to eat. And brought stray kittens displaced by the storm to our office :). 

 

Tragically a few years ago her kidneys started failing, and she is now dependent on dialysis to survive. Recently her treatment costs have soared, as the clinic she received affordable care from has turned away all non-Covid patients. She has been trying to save for a $40,000 kidney replacement but has now had to spend all funds and go into debt just to stay alive, because like many in her community, she is uninsured.

 

Her medical bills are in the thousands, a crippling amount for a family of her means in the Philippines. Mary's quality of life has suffered greatly since the diagnosis. Instead of living the vibrant life a 25 year old should, she is often not able to leave her bed because of complications.  

 

If you are interested in supporting Mary any amount no matter how small would make a huge difference. Both to pay her current bills and help her pay for a kidney replacement, which would completely transform her life.

 

Thanks so much for your consideration.