In his podcast, 37-year-old Jeriel Dominguez reminds people that there are persons like him who are suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) but who have never stopped hoping for better days.
It has been 12 years now that he is looking for a kidney donor. He knows that getting one would not happen as urgently as he would want it to be, but 12 years have been too much to bear.
He is on dialysis thrice weekly already, and time seems to be running out on him. But he held on to the promise of the Lord that He would take care of His people.
From unfamiliar faces and total strangers Jeriel began receiving help. A probable donor came, to which his heart responded “hallelujah.” The compatibility tests went through a strenuous process. It has taken over a decade, but like water rushing out of a rock upon the tappings of Moses’ staff, possibilities flowed.
However, the transplant and cost of post-operation would incur over a million pesos. Help nowadays is hard to come by because almost all sectors are reeling from the aftermath of the pandemic and other global issues that affect the local economy.
Jeriel could only hope against hope. He leaned on God’s promise that His love is unwavering and that He is faithful in every way; that His love is unbreakable and eternal.
Jeriel has to cope further with the challenges by strengthening the power, influence, and reach of his social media platforms to crowd-source for assistance.
On Facebook, Jeriel wrote: “Hey everyone, I’m Jeriel Dominguez, 37 years old, from Iligan City [Lanao del Norte], battling CKD and undergoing dialysis for the past 12 years. Now, I need your help. I’m gearing up for a kidney transplant and while it’s a big step, I’m ready. But I can’t do it alone, I need your support, love, and prayers to make it through. Let’s raise awareness about organ donation and transplantation, and spread hope within our community. Thank you for standing by my side. Together, with faith, hope, and the love of our community, we can do anything.”
In an interview with GMA Regional TV News, Jeriel said that a transplant is estimated to cost P1.6 million, and this could go higher because of medicines at about P60,000 monthly for post-operation management.
To give netizens an idea on his family’s financial situation, Jeriel in a post shared the story of his mother’s struggles to support his needs. His 64-year-old mom is a solo parent after she had broken up with Jeriel’s father since he was very young.
His father has stopped supporting the family financially ever since. Jeriel decided to meet him again when he turned 25 - but that was also the last.
SUSTENANCE
Jeriel’s mom ekes out a living by nail-cleaning and offering artsy nails services, including foot spa. In the vernacular, we call this job “manicurista” and “pedicurista.”
However, the cost to sustain Jesriel’s dialysis is indeed colossal for his mother to bear by herself.
Jeriel wished to have his cross taken as well off his shoulders, for it is just too much to carry.
“Sa akong hunahuna nakaingon ko ‘Ginoo, kwa-a nalang ko. Kung maglisod na lang man ug ayo among pamilya tungod sa akong kahimtang, palihug lang kwa-a na lang ko,” Jeriel wrote in his May 12: Mother’s Day log.
Jeriel has two siblings and his mom has given them equal attention, he said. This gives the idea that Jeriel’s mom is a superwo-mom who can dabble at different things and tasks, and not give up one moment when it comes to nurturing her children.
While he prayed for rest to come quick in his slumber, and bolt from the excruciating pain, Jeriel also witnessed how God has shone favor upon him because each day has unfolded with beaming hope.
A donor will come. One day.
He has a growing support group. He has a line of merch such as shirts and tote bags marked “Chosen not Forsaken” that has sparked kindness even from total strangers or unfamiliar faces.
A donor will come. In time.
He started praying earnestly that he would be able to one day take his mom to places she deserves to enjoy.
“Nag-ampo pa jud ko sa Ginoo nga tagaan si mama og taas nga kinabuhi kay puhon kung ma-transplant nako gusto nako siya masuroy sa mga lugar nga gusto niya maadtoan. Deserve niya ang balikan og panalangin sa tanang sakripisyo ug kahago niya,” Jeriel conveyed.
By end of June 2024, Jeriel is optimistic to have found a donor and to have started lab tests for both him and his donor.
Fundraising continues through his friends from the Leadership Excellence Achievement Program.
A donor will come. The Lord will keep His promise.
