Single mom diagnosed with chronic kidney disease

Jobelle Lacambra

MANILA, Philippines — Last December, Jobelle Lacambra was rushed to the hospital after her feet swelled up and she experienced a drowning-like feeling while lying in bed.

“I was also losing weight for no reason and I would find myself out of breath even though I had just walked a short distance,” Lacambra told the Inquirer.

The 30-year-old former secretary and single mother to Ardleigh, her 6-year-old daughter, said that after several tests, the doctor diagnosed her with pneumonia, acute coronary syndrome, anemia and chronic kidney disease.

“He said my creatinine levels were very high and I needed to undergo dialysis three times a week,” Lacambra said.

According to her, she was finding it hard to undergo dialysis three times a week due to lack of money. Since her diagnosis, she has quit her job in Makati City and moved back with her daughter to Tarlac province where her parents and siblings live.

“I’m not well enough to work. I still tire easily. But I really want to get better so that I can get another job and provide for my daughter,” Lacambra said.

Her dialysis sessions in December and January were funded by donations collected by friends who posted appeals for help on her behalf on social media.

In Tarlac, Lacambra inquired from the Paniqui Dialysis Center and was informed that each session would cost between P1,300 and P2,600.

But before undergoing dialysis, she would first need to undergo minor surgery to place a fistula in her arm. A fistula or vascular access helps blood travel through soft tubes to the dialysis machine. The procedure, based on a doctor’s estimate, would cost between P15,000 and P20,000.

On top of these, Lacambra needs P4,230 a month for her maintenance medicines consisting of Caltrate Plus, iron and folic acid, ketoanalogues (for chronic renal insufficiency), nebivolol, amlodipine and losartan (all for high blood pressure).

The sole breadwinners in the family are her father and two brothers who work as farmers but their earnings are barely enough for their basic needs.

“It is really difficult because I keep thinking of how I can support my daughter who is in Grade 1. I must get better so that I can work again,” Lacambra said.

Those who want to help her can send their donations to her PSBank account (005390001783) under account name Jobelle Lacambra. She can be contacted at 0912-1789354.

—STEPHANIE R. ASUNCION