Glomerulonephritis: Chronic Kidney Disease

My son, Michael Delmer Garofalo, has chronic kidney disease.  Thirteen years ago he was diagnosed with Glomerulonephritis, and underwent treatment with steroids to slow the autoimmune causes of his kidney disease.  He has bravely dealt with this progressive kidney disorder for many years.

On Monday of this past week, he began dialysis treatments in Portland, Oregon, at Providence Hospital.  His kidneys are barely functioning now (under 4%), and dialysis is his only hope for survival until a kidney transplant might give him renewed hope for another decade or so of life. 

Thankfully, Mick and April's employment provides them with Blue Shield Health insurance.  Also, U.S. Medicare helps people with kidney disease with medical insurance coverage.  The American National Kidney Foundation is also working to help people with this disease. 

We talk a couple of times each week, and I try to encourage him as best I can and provide other support.  This situation has been an ongoing cause for concern, worry, and sadness for my wife and I. 

  
April Scott and Michael D. Garofalo (Mick) were married 6 years ago. 

 

 Mick and I at Ft. Stevens State Park near Astoria, Oregon.   

Maybe even Sri Dhanvantari or St. Benedict of Nursa or White Tara might lend my son a helping hand?