For over two years, Chel was on what is called peritoneal dialysis
(PD). This process removed waste product and extra fluid from her
body. A soft catheter was inserted in her abdomen through a small
slit made on the side just below her navel (belly button). The catheter
allowed her to fill her stomach with cleansing liquid called dialysis
solution. Through the lining membrane in her stomach cavity called
peritoneum, waste product and extra liquid passed from the blood to
the dialysis solution. When the dialysis solution was drained, the
harmful waste liquid went with it. The draining and filling process
is called an "exchange". This was done 4 to 6 times every
day or depending on what her doctor prescribed. Each exchange lasted
between 30 to 45 minutes. Instead of going to a dialysis center, PD
allowed Chel to do dialysis at home, at school, at work, or when on
trip.
The living donor
Cezar is 30 years old, elder brother of Chel. He requested for an
honorable discharge 2 yrs ago for better career opportunity when he
sensed that McLeelan Air Force Base would be closed. He is now with
MCI, FAA detailed (He's FAA licensed) -electronics department. He
was Senior Airman of the US Air Force when he left McLeelan AFB. He
was once a Law Enforcement Desk Sergeant at Bellows Air Force Base
and member of the undercover operative. Cezar helped provide security
for ex-President Clinton and the First Lady (awarded). He was instrumental
for the apprehension of an armed robbery suspect near the base and
was awarded by the Honolulu Police Department. He provided support
to the US Secret Service, awarded for outstanding service and professionalism
as a volunteer during the 1997 Hickam Air Force Base Youth Festival
in Hawaii, and many others. He finished electronics/communication...
Cezar is married
to the beautiful Glenda Julian, a registered nurse from Hawaii.
Like her sister,
Cezar had to undergo stringent pre-medical medical checks. After two
months of blood & tissue cross matching, he was determined very
qualified as organ giver.
Cezar's surgery,
aided with photography took 4 hours. It was performed by Dr. Shulam
& members of his team.
Two days after
surgery, Cezar was released from the hospital and is now back at work
on light duty assignment.
Richelle who was
in a separate room was attended by Dr. Rosenthal & his team members.
Her transplant surgery took 3.5 hours.
Four days after surgery, Chel was released from the hospital and now
recuperates at home. She goes to UCLA Medical Center every other day
for blood test and check up. She would continue on this schedule for
few more days until her kidney function is determined to have stabilized
and no signs of rejection.
Cezar and Chel are children of Pol and Tet. Pol Ferrera is from Banton
and Tet (Villafuerte) is from Manila. Both were schoolteachers when
in the Philippines. They immigrated to the States in 1985 and now
reside in Los Angeles, California. They are blessed with another son
Richie, the youngest, who is now 15 years old.
In the United States, there are thousands (80,000+) on the list waiting
for organ transplant. Pol said that in California, the wait is 6 to
7 years for kidney organ. In Hawaii, the wait is 4 to 5 years.
According to an official web site of the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services, "Each day about 63 people receive an organ
transplant, but another 16 people on the waiting list die because
not enough organs are available."
As member of the Board of Directors of the Organ Donor Center of Hawaii,
I am very pleased to hear success stories like this, especially from
dear friends. It proves more and more that organ donor/transplant
saves life.
We wish Chel speedy/full
recovery and we salute Cezar for his unselfish generous act of sharing.
