Couple weeks ago, I went to the Kaiser Urgent care because that morning I woke up with a horrible, throbbing head ache . I was starting to get numb from one side of my head so before I stroked out, I decided to get help. Once I got to the urgent care, the nurse took me in and she began her assessment and took my vitals. She looked at me and said," We are going to have to transport you via ambulance to our emergency room. You are in a critical condition. Your blood pressure is off the roof!". At that point, a private ambulance company picked me up and rushed me over to the emergency room where tests and interventions were done. My life changed when the ED Doctor came in and said " your kidneys are failing son". I couldn't believe it. My heart felt like it was ripped off. They continued to do exams such as ultra sounds, many blood draws and urine samples. It was confirmed. I have entered in end stage renal disease or ESRD. I was admitted to the hospital for 3 days. Many doctors came in and spoke to me. I was put on blood pressure meds to relief stress of my kidneys. I was placed on a special diet and I spent 3 days with a heart monitor. Every time a doctor came in, it was always with bad news and never good news. The main nephrologist came to my room and said that I was on my last 10 percent of kidney function and I would soon have to start dialysis. As of now, I been ok emotionally. I've had the support of my family. My mom and dad have always supported me my whole life and I didn't have to ask for help. They just stepped in and took care of business. I couldn't be more thankful. My girlfriend, Helena Hernandez, has been through every step of the way. She has taken time to go to my appointments, to my home to take care of me, and she was there when I was hospitalized. As of 4/2/2016, I have 5 percent kidney function. When it is at 0 percent , I will quickly develop symptoms such as nausea/vomiting, wheezing lung sounds, swollen feet, extreme fatigue, malaise, insufficient urine production and many other symptoms. It's only a matter of time. Unfortunately, I will need to be put on medical leave from my job at care because I need to get a catheter placed in my abdomen for my Automated Peritoneal Dialysis for an unknown amount of time and I got my medical bills that will be coming up monthly. I ask for your support in my time of need and ask to donate whatever possible. My family and I thank you in advance for every penny.

My name is Josue . I'm 25 years old and I'm in the last stage of end stage renal disease. I work for Care Ambulance and I have been part of EMS for 4 years now. I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1991 but migrated to the USA in 1997 and am now a proud citizen of the USA. I hope to one day continue my EMS career and become a fire fighter paramedic and to continue to serve my community..