Transplant Type - Kidney

Emeliano has been battling a variety of illnesses since 2000, although he wasn't diagnosed at the time. He has since been diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, causing scar tissue to form in his kidneys. He also suffers from hypertension, sleep apnea, secondary hyperparathyroidism and hypercholesterolemia. Doctors told Emeliano a kidney transplant is vital to his survival. Fortunately, his oldest son is a perfect match and will donate one of his kidneys to save his father's life.

Emeliano has lived a very tough life, and he started working in construction in the Philippines at age 10 to support himself. While working at a train station, he met a generous couple who provided him with the financial means to finish his elementary and high school education. He has always worked very hard, and he continues to work 12-hour days as an oven technician, which is extremely difficult because of his illness. He must wear a dialysis device across his chest at all times, which makes his work even more exhausting.

He and his wife, Evelyn, have been married for more than 20 years and have three children, ages 23, 18 and 11, who live at home with them. It is difficult for his family to see him so ill, and he looks forward to being able to play tennis with his son and spend more leisure time with his family. But he needs your help.

A kidney transplant costs more than $250,000. And that's only the beginning. Emeliano faces significant medical expenses related to his transplant. For the rest of his life, he will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. The cost of post-transplant medications can range from $2,000 to $5,000 per month--and they are as critical to his survival as the transplant itself.

Although his son can donate his kidney, they cannot begin the transplantation process until Emeliano has begun raising funds to pay for his portion of the operation.

You can help.
To make a donation to NFT in honor of Emeliano, click the link below his photo. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT Minnesota Kidney Fund, 5350 Poplar Avenue, Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write "in honor of Emeliano Bayer" on the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Hennepin County Medical Center