PHOTOS: 10-year-old with kidney disease fights for his life

According to the National Kidney Transplant Institute, about 14,000 Filipinos have kidney-related sicknesses. Of this number, around 12,000, including children, are in need of kidney transplant. Kidneys remove excess waste and fluids from the body. When kidneys fail, harmful wastes and toxins build up in the body.  In such cases, patients with kidney failure require kidney transplants.   But what if you can’t afford the cost of a transplant?  “Front Row” documentary “Salin-buhay” tells the stories of the children from poor families whose struggle against poverty and kidney disease is a daily battle between life and death.

Ten-year-old Vincent dela Iglesia needs a kidney transplant. His father, Vimar, works as a janitor. In the building where Vimar works, he put up a donation box for Vincent’s medical needs. Once in a while, he checks if someone has donated. The people in the building have helped them greatly, but now most of the funds have gone towards buying Vincent’s medicines. While on the transplant list, Vincent needs hemodialysis at least three times a week—a treatment for advanced or permanent kidney failure. Vincent’s family can only afford to get hemodialysis for Vincent when they receive financial support from donors. But when Vimar doesn’t have enough money for the treatment, Vincent has a difficult time sleeping and breathing. Because of the lack of funds, Vincent’s medicine intake is also erratic. “Kung ano na lang ‘yung kaya namin, ‘yun, pinapainom namin. Bahala na ang Diyos,” says Vincent’s mother, Maria Fe. For those who want to extend financial support to Vincent, you may call 02-500-3635 or message “Front Row” through its Facebook page. — Alyx Arumpac/PF, GMA News