Poonam Hamal is hoping to find a living kidney donor, and her youngest son has launched an online and community campaign in hopes of making that life-changing connection. Hamal said she tries to maintain a cheerful outlook while living with a difficult diagnosis. “My blood type is B-positive,” he said with a smile. “I have to be positive.”
“I MISS A LOT OF THINGS”
The 52-year-old mother of three has been on dialysis since 2019, after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease eight years earlier. The disease, known as IgA nephropathy, has no clear cause and no cure. “After the biopsy, (the) doctor told me, ‘Your kidney is gone,’” she said. Her family says both of her kidneys have since stopped working. “I feel weak every day,” she said. “Day by day, my body is getting thinner, because I do dialysis at home every night.” Hamal’s son Shaurab said her illness also meant more isolation during the pandemic, which was difficult as she always enjoyed planning holiday events and seeing friends and family. “It’s getting tough,” he said. “And it’s overwhelming.” He said his mother also had to quit her job working in nursing homes. Hamal said she also longed to visit her elderly parents, whom she had not been able to see for years. “I was missing so many things,” she said. “I want to continue to be a good person in the world, to do something good in the community.” Hamal’s son Shaurab said his father wanted to donate, although he was not an exact match, but could not go ahead with the process due to health issues.
THE CAMPAIGN HAS BEGUN
With no donor in their immediate circle, the 23-year-old decided to launch a campaign to widen the search. “If there’s nothing I can do personally to directly help save my mom, that’s something I know. This is something I can do,” he said. “We know that the more we can raise awareness about it, the more people will see it – and potentially there could be a match for my mum and it could change her life.” Her story is now being shared on a website, called Kidney for Mom, as well as through social media and on posters. Hamal’s son says the response has been amazing, with complete strangers offering their support. Poonam also faces an added challenge in her quest because her blood type, B positive, is not that common. The medical director of the kidney transplant program at St. Paul’s, Dr. Jagbir Gill, said waiting times are usually the longest for people with type B blood. “The longer you spend on dialysis, although dialysis is a great treatment, it takes a toll on your body,” he said. “There’s no doubt that the medical recommendation is the sooner you can transplant, the better.”
PAIR GIFT PROGRAM
Dr Gill said that even if someone can’t donate directly to an individual, there is a national matching donation scheme that could help. “People can come in as a couple and we can find another couple in the same situation where you can do a kidney exchange so to speak,” he said. “It’s definitely becoming more common for people to expand that network of people to ask and go public.” Hamal said she is grateful to everyone who has offered help so far. Her son is encouraging people to share her story in hopes of finding that one person who could make a difference. “He is the most loving, caring and hardworking person I know,” she said, adding that they are hoping and praying that a donor can be found. “You’re saving someone’s life, you’re extending their life, and in doing so, you’re ultimately giving someone the gift of life.” Hamal’s family said that while anyone interested can come forward thanks to the matched donation program, matching blood types for her include B-positive, B-negative and O-positive and O-negative. Those interested in learning more about becoming a Hamal donor can contact [email protected] or 604-875-5182.
