Three weeks ago I attended a living kidney donation informational seminar in Chicago. The event was sponsored by the Living Kidney Donor Network (LKDN.org) and those in attendance were individuals who are in need of a kidney transplant, and individuals who were recently notified by there doctor that they should begin preparing for the possibility of a kidney transplant within the coming year. I was in attendance after being asked by LKDN's President to serve as mentor/veteran of transplant.
While I was at the event, I struck up a conversation with Jorge Mariscal. Jorge is a 21 year-old college student who was diagnosed with renal failure in 2005 during his junior year of high school. Since being diagnosed, Jorge has been undergoing dialysis treatments with the hopes of someday receiving a kidney transplant. However, there is a major roadblock standing in the way of Jorge's future––money.
Jorge's insurance only covers the cost of dialysis. Unfortunately, it does not cover the cost of transplant.
Jorge is being managed at Loyola University Medical Center, who has set the price of a kidney transplant at $100,000. Thus far, the Mariscals have managed to save $15,000.
This Saturday, the Mariscals will be hosting a benefit for the Jorge A. Mariscal Kidney Transplant Fund.
The event will be held in Melrose Park, IL. Below I have posted an image of the informational flyer, which details the festivities and event times. Definitely check it out if you are in the area.
I realize that a good portion of this blog's readers either live across the country or across an ocean, so for all of you, I guess I ask that you take away the simple thought of how disgustingly greedy our world/humanity has become that there is now, undoubtedly, a price tag on life.
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