Hi dears,

These are tough and very sad times for us.

Norberto’s kidneys are barely functioning. We have been hoping that the disease is reversible, and the kidneys will begin to work again. While this is still a possibility, it is looking less likely that this will happen. We are facing quite a high chance that the only treatments available are dialysis or a transplant.

He has Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis (RPGN). We’ve just now received the full results of the biopsy. Once these are analysed, we will know exactly which type of RPGN he has, and the exact prognosis and treatment will become clear. The hospital should then be able to tell us whether there is any chance of reversal, or if long-term dialysis or a transplant will indeed be necessary. If it comes to this, we will do whatever we can to find a kidney, ideally from a living donor.. The average life expectancy for someone on dialysis is only 5-10 years.

Norberto himself is having ups and downs. Some days there is a lot of pain in the body, extreme exhaustion, deep sadness and more.. Other days he feels physically and emotionally better. He has been really struggling as the chance of kidney recovery decreases, and also as the care at his hospital is lacking. It is public hospitals in Brazil for nephrology, but he is being given very limited attention and information by the doctors and often very rough care by the nurses.

Many of you have asked how you can help.. vulnerably and gratefully I reach out to you as yes, we really do need help. So I will lay all my cards on the table and mention the variety of ways in which we are needing help. If any of them resonates or calls for you to give, we are eternally grateful. Some of the ways are perhaps premature, as things are still up in the air, but I mention now to get the ball rolling in case.

Continuing to send your love and healing energy

Solid suggestions of trustworthy kidney medical care facilities
Donate Money. If reliable care means going private, upwards of $1500 per night. The public system has been frustrating and inadequate so it will be necessary to move him somewhere. Still, there are other various costs, cost of living and cost of not being able to work.
Someone with bundles of loving, nurturing energy, presence and a tender touch to support him in December while I’m gone.
Possibly someone or 2 to take care of Terramaya from late December to late February. We may be covered for this, but not yet confirmed. Probably also for many of the months after this as Terramaya always needs care..
Most intimately and the hardest to ask for.. a kidney, in the case his kidneys don’t recover. Transplants from living donors last longer than from deceased donors, and the waiting times through the system are long, during which time life expectancy decreases. His brother and I have both offered, so hopefully blood and tissue types will be compatible and one or other of our kidneys will be possible. If not, and anyone feels really called to offer something so personal and delicate, please do your own research and let us know if it feels right to you.