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Published on 12/14/1998 All articles from this issue

Kidney patient at El Camino needs funds for transplant

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By Clyde Noel

Special to the Town Crier

Roselyne Prasad arrived early at the El Camino Hospital's Dialysis Center for her appointed dialysis treatment last Wednesday. According to social worker Jennifer Cullen, when patients arrive for dialysis, typically they feel trapped in a cycle of fear for the future, depression and low self-esteem.

Prasad comes to the dialysis center for a three-hour treatment, three days a week. Her blood is removed from the body, washed and returned to her system. After her treatment, she is restored to stable health, has a renewed energy, a positive outlook and can take part in productive activity.

She has received dialysis treatment for more than three years and now is not doing well because dialysis created major complications. Her doctor thinks a kidney transplant is necessary as soon as possible.

Prasad, a 31-year-old low-income patient with two children, has a sister living in Fiji who is a perfect tissue match. With her sister's kidney, Prasad stands a good chance of living a normal life for many years.

The entire kidney transplant procedure, and after-care medications for her and her sister, are covered by her health care insurance plan.

The biggest problem is finding the air fare for her sister and her sister's young daughter who needs to accompany her.

The round trip fare for her sister is approximately $1,000.

"Our patient has been unable to work regularly due to her disability and has no spare funds," said Cullen, a social worker at the outpatient dialysis center.

"We are seeking assistance in providing air fare for Roselyne's sister and her daughter from Fiji to San Francisco."

Prasad is a trained nursing assistant working in Palo Alto. But since she is sick she can't work and her husband is in and out of work, which complicates the family's finances.

Cullen said the outpatient dialysis doctors and staff have offered to donate money to their patient because they really want to see this transplant happen.

"We have made a fund-raising effort throughout the community and contacted different service clubs and nonprofit organizations in hopes they can help out the patient," Cullen said.

Anyone interested should call the El Camino Hospital Outpatient Dialysis, or call Cullen direct at 988-7737.