Judith Perez

The most wonderful mom was diagnosed with ureteral cancer 4 weeks ago.  The tumor was found in the ureter of her right kidney during an operation.    What makes this especially difficult is that she only has the one kidney.  Eighteen years ago she eagerly donated her left kidney to my dad whose kidneys failed 12 years prior from polycystic kidney disease.      The urologist strongly suggested and referred her to one of the leading cancer hospitals in the U.S. at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, TX hoping that they might have a better grasp on how to treat her; however, the hospital will not accept her insurance.     They need some help to pay for the "out of pocket" expenses incurred at M.D. Anderson.  First and foremost, she needs to have the consultation and reading of her pathology report done at M.D. Anderson.        Because of my dad having to retire at an early age from kidney failure, they are on a very limited income.  They have always budgeted their money, as far back as I can remember; however, they do not have the funds to pay for all of the expenses that will be incurred in the battle against this cancer.    To tell you a little bit about how amazing a person she is, please keep reading.  When I was about 3 years old my Dad had a subdermal hematoma, and had to have 2 surgeries to release the blood on the brain.  When I was 7 years old my dad's kidneys failed.  For the next several years, he was in and out of the hospital with surgeries and infections.  When I was 14 years old, my dad had a quadrupal by-pass surgery.  When I was 19 years old, my mom donated a kidney to my dad.  A year later, a virus popped up in the kidney, and they couldn't afford the experimental drug to stop the virus, so the kidney had to be taken out.  When I was 21 years old, my dad was diagnosed with a very rare form of meningitis and almost didn't make it.  As long as I can remember my mom was by my dad's side taking care of him, in and out of the hospital.     Through all of this my mom raised 3 girls, ran a farm, cared for her two aging parents; and, off-and-on throughout my life, worked odd end jobs just to make ends meet.       This amazing woman has given and fought for others all her life, and now she's in a fight for her own life.  Please help me and my family to give her the best chance possible to fight and not give up.