Three years ago, our beloved Tio (Uncle) Santi was diagnosed with terminal kidney failure as a side effect of his diabetes. The time since, has seen countless hours in the emergency room, sudden seizures, invasive surgery, dialysis 3 times a week, severe anemia from all of the procedures and the need for a kidney transplant that even though his loving family believes he should be at the top of the list, the way the transplant lottery is scored puts him very far down the immediate need list.

We know his fight is real and harder than he lets on. Our hearts break a little each day as we watch the struggles of a man who was vibrant and healthy struggle with health insurance, high prescription costs,  numerous intensive medical procedures, and not knowing how short or long his time with us may be.

We can see it in his eyes when he is at the top of the stairs, trying to find the courage to make his way down. We can see it in his face when one of his nieces asks to be picked up and held. Even only a few minutes in the summer sun can be unbearable. His legs do not work as well as they once did; his arms have lost muscle mass; his kidneys have all but lost the ability to perform their basic functions. Too much water on a hot summer day which may only make us feel bad, causes his legs to swell. Too little water due to the fear of swelling, causes severe dehydration. Going down the stairs takes so much energy there’s worry that he may not make it back up and even receiving a hug  from one of his nieces longing to show their uncle the affection he deserves, can cause him to possibly lose his balance. 

With the reality that he's too far down the transplant list to receive a life saving kidney soon we just can’t sit and wait. With the help of stem cell therapy, we have a chance to buy him more time.  This procedure could drastically improve his quality of life. Damage to the kidneys leads to increasing levels of toxins in the body, causing a cascade of further damage to the heart, lungs, stomach, and nervous system. This is why slowing the damage to kidney cells is so critical. Stem cells are how the body builds organs, and stem cell therapy has the real possibility of helping Tio Santi’s health.

We are asking for donations. No amount is too small in lending support and aid in our quest to improve and prolong the life of Tio Santi. To cover one stem cell therapy treatment (including airfare and post procedure prescriptions), it will take $20,000. We have found a clinic in Florida that can give him the care he needs, with an opening on September 6th of this year. Please help Tio Santi!

We thank you for your help for his journey to better health!