The Giunta Family Emergency Fund

We are in Ontario, Canada My name is Brigitte Giunta and I am my husband Paul's full time caregiver.  Paul was diagnosed with end stage Polycystic Kidney Disease May 2012. He was 55 at the time and had to stop working leaving us with a massive debt from his business. Paul was a full time owner operator trucker. He owned his own truck and was self employed. He went from work to forcible retirement in 3 days. Leaving us with no income and sinking fast. He was placed on dialysis 3 days a week  for 4 hours each time. His twin brother also has it. This disease is genetic and it took their mother's life at the young age of 61 about 38 years ago. They were both on dialysis for 5 years. They both received a transplant at 60. Both transplants are working well. They both   have about 35% kidney function. We have 4 children and 2 grandchildren.   There is also a chance that our kids may test positive for PKD in the future which is a scary thought for us. They test yearly to catch it early. There is no cure but it can be slowed down by following a renal diet. Grateful that all 4 have not tested positive so far. Paul's brother is doing well with his health. Paul unfortunately has developed other health issues during the last 8 years.  He has a berry brain aneurysm that is being monitored yearly since it growing slowly.   There is a second spot on his brain that is an abnormality that can cause strokes. He has to take one low dose aspirin per day now. He has developed depression and    is on medication and counselling. He also had high risk Osteoporosis that just got down graded to Osteopenia with medication. He now has Sleep Apnea and has to sleep with a Cpap machine. He is on medication for restless legs syndrome. Lost some hearing and now wears hearing aids in both ears.  He recently was diagnosed with Dementia, leaving him with not being able to return to work ever. We had to claim bankruptcy and did a credit resolution to keep our home since it is easier for us then renting. Rents are just too high. We paid back all but  $850.00 from this fundraiser.  Our youngest daughter is on the fundraiser so she can pay our loan back in case something happens to us before it is paid off.  Once it is paid off the fundraiser will be ended.  Thank you for your generosity support during this difficult time. We are truly grateful. Blessings