Fil-Am Bikerz, Inc. (FAB) who is a Non-Profit organization that spearheads philanthropic initiatives is initiating this page for Mel and
Jessica Macasu. Mel was one of the founders of FAB. His wife, Jessica, who is also part of the FAB Family has been diagnosed with IgA
Nephropathy. Unfortunately, she now requires a new kidney to prevent having to go through dialysis.
The couple is fortunate enough that Mel (husband) is a match and will donate his kidney to Jessica. This valiant and self sacrificing effort is not taken lightly. We would like to help our family members to cope with their day to day living post surgery as they will be in
recovery.
_______________________________________________________________________________
FAB’s Ride for Cure 5 – A Match Made in Heaven
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), kidney disease is ranked 9th as a cause of death in the United States.
FAB’s(Filipino American Bikerz, Inc.) Ride for Cure 5 is a beautiful love story of a couple who had to go through the journey of fighting Berger’s disease that resulted to a CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) and in the end, required a transplant or, ESKD (End-Stage Kidney Disease).
One of FAB’s very own founder, Mel Macasu, whose wife, Jessica Macasu was diagnosed with Berger’s disease or IgA Nephropathy back in 2001. IgA nephropathy (nuh-FROP-uh-thee), also known as Berger's disease, is a kidney disease that occurs when an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA) builds up in your kidneys. This results in local inflammation that, over time, can hamper your kidneys' ability to filter waste from your blood.
Unfortunately, this illness doesn’t have a cure and after all these years, it eventually came to a stage where the kidney is not salvageable anymore. August 2018 was the year Jessica’s doctor advised her to have a transplant OR be in dialysis ☹ Despite of the illness, Jessica lived and thrived as an awesome Mom to 2 elite gymnasts (Stephanie and Sam), ER Nurse, getting her Master’s Degree in Nursing, and teaching classes at Chamberlain School of Nursing.
The couple had to seek out kidney donors and be on the waitlist to find a match for the transplant. Many months past in search of donors to no avail. Out on a whim one day, Mel decided to take a blood test to see if he can be a match for Jessica. As fate would have it, he was a MATCH! There was one problem…Mel’s blood pressure was a little high ☹ Mel did what he had to do and go through the rigor of getting healthy, eating clean, went back to his love of cycling, and periodic blood tests. Problem is, all was good, except, Mel hates needles! The periodic blood tests took its toll psychologically, but nonetheless, he did this for his love of Jessica!
January of 2019, Mel got cleared by the hospital. May 2019, they were able to schedule their transplant. On June 28th, 2019, the transplant happened! It was a success and thanks to Mel’s very healthy kidney, as soon as the transplant happened, the kidney started working right away. Doctors were impressed to see such a healthy kidney!
The couple is now recovering that will take time. Jessica is doing great dealing with the aches and pains of the surgery. Mel is slowly getting back into the thick of things, settling for taking beautiful photographs. No active workouts or cycling yet.
Given that the couple will be out of work during the recovery phase, FAB is hosting the Ride for Cure 5 event to help out cope with the beauty of living day to day! The self-sacrificing act of Mel literally giving a part of himself to Jessica and to match, is a rarity but proves, they are meant for each other. Please join us in giving our own selves to offer some time to ride, laugh, eat, and meet this wonderful couple. They are a match made in Heaven! See you at the ride!
_________________________________________________________________________________
The transplant was very successful. Thank you for your donations! The couple is recovering right now!
