For those with kidney disease, dialysis is a life saving service. It helps many to be able to see the next day and spend more time with their families. Kidney Foundation of Laredo has been instrumental in providing services and information to those with kidney disease. They connect clients with the resources they need, such as help with transportation vouchers, vitamins and medical supplements for renal patients, and help with medical visits for transplants. Because many patients need to have two to three times a week, family members cannot always take them. Therefore, Kidney Foundation helps those who need this transportation assistance.
Many testify to the great work Kidney Foundation does for our community. “God is great!” says Armando Suarez, who has been living with diabetes and kidney disease. He says it’s not an easy task but is manageable with positive thinking and will power. Through the help of Kidney Foundation of Laredo, he was able to get professional help from V.A. doctors and good advice from experts at Satellite Health Clinic. “At first, it was hard for me.” Mentally, Armando had to accustom to a new experience on dialysis. He thought it was the end. However, as time went on it got easier for him. Nowadays, Armando is able go in and out from dialysis with no problems. Currently, he is active on the transplant list with a V.A. hospital, Michael DeBaky V.A. Medical Center in Houston, TX. This is, hopefully, where Armando will soon receive his transplant. He has been able to meet the surgeon and the whole team already. To prepare for the upcoming transplant, Armando has been following a strict diet and staying away from certain foods, in addition to getting plenty of exercise. He asserts that, “life is good.”
Armando is just one example of the lives you touch when you give to United Way of Laredo. With your support, United Way is able to provide financial resources to agencies like Kidney Foundation to ensure they are able to provide programs and services to those in need. For more information on how you can support the United Way of Laredo or any of their network of agencies contact the United Way at uwlaredo@unitedwaylaredo.org or visit their website at www.unitedwaylaredo.org If you are in need of community resources and are not sure where to turn dial 2-1-1 for information on programs and services in available in our community.
