Sometimes life can be very challenging. You can try your best to prepare for it, but the real worries in life are unexpected obstacles that cross our path.
As unfair as it is for a child to get an illness or life threatening disease, it happens all the time.
Ever since Alexis was diagnosed in 2012, her older sister Marissa and her family have been by her side every step of the way. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARISSA TOVAR
Even when you’re not the one that is sick, it can dramatically affect your life.
For Delta student Marissa Tovar, her life changed when her baby sister, Alexis, was diagnosed with minimal change disease in December 2012.
Minimal change disease is a type of kidney disease most children grow out of by adulthood.
However, in Alexis’ case, doctors later discovered that she has Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis.
This means that she is dependent on dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Alexis is currently on hemodialysis, just had surgery.
She has a permanent hemodialysis catheter, peritoneal catheter and G-tube placed.
Alexis is currently staying at the Ronald McDonald House, a charity that provides temporary housing for severely ill or injured children.
Alexis also goes to University of California, San Francisco Medical Center every other day.
Her family is also going through the process of getting her on the transplant list.
“Both of my parents are out of work because of them having to take care of her and I’ll have to take a break from school if I end up donating my kidney to my sister” said Tovar.
Tovar has taken it upon herself to do fundraising to help with the medical expenses and financial needs.
“Fundraising helps a lot with medical expenses and transportation to San Francisco,” said Tovar. “March 14 will be our first big fundraiser and it will be a dinner and dance event.”
Tickets can be purchased for $20 by contacting Tovar at foralexistovar@gmail.com.
Those who want to help but can’t make it to the event can donate at gofundme.com. Tickets are selling out quickly.
Tovar is doing her best to help her sister and her family but she needs all the support she can get.
