Transplant Type - Kidney

When Jorge Luis was born in Colombia, he was diagnosed with congenital kidney problems, including bilateral ureteral disorder. When he was just 1 year old, he underwent two surgeries attempting to cure his disorder. For many years, Jorge Luis lived a healthy life, but began to gain unexplained weight when he was 17.

After visiting his doctor, he learned his creatinine levels were too high, which was affecting his kidneys. His doctor performed surgery to treat the ureter reflux, but discovered Jorge's kidneys were very weak and not functioning properly. He saw a nephrology specialist who gave him shocking news. Jorge Luis needs a kidney transplant, or he will be forced to rely on dialysis treatments for the rest of his life. He currently endures dialysis treatments three times a week, which greatly affect his quality of life.

Jorge Luis is thankful for the love and support from his family. Both his father and mother were tested to be his donors, and his father was a match. Jorge Luis will soon receive his lifesaving kidney transplant and return to a normal, active lifestyle. But he needs your help.

A kidney transplant costs approximately $250,000. And that's only the beginning. Jorge Luis 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.

Jorge Luis' father is the primary provider for the family, although Jorge Luis does work as much as his health will allow. The financial burden of the transplant will be substantial, as both Jorge Luis and his father must take time off work for the surgery and recovery, adding to their financial strain.

They will also incur expenses for travel because Jorge Luis lives more than two hours away from the transplant center at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

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

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Carolinas Medical Center