25/08/2025
Warning!! Long post ahead!
Kidney Transplant Journey 💛🖤
Story Time ✨
Back in 2015, I was diagnosed with SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) — an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs.
Fast forward to 2020 during the pandemic, my lupus began attacking my kidneys, and I had to undergo dialysis. Thankfully, things went well by 2022 so I stopped dialysis.
But last year, August 2024, my lupus flared up again — this time coming back twice as strong. It caused severe damage to both of my kidneys, leaving them with only about 8% total function.
So early this year, 2025, we tried working up for a kidney transplant — holding on to hope that it could be possible despite the challenges of lupus, no resources, and no donor. At this point, I’ve left everything in God’s hands, trusting that He will provide in His perfect time.
While going through the process, all my laboratory results turned out in our favor. And here’s the biggest blessing of all — a huge shoutout to my brother Jan Carlo Verallo Echavez, who selflessly and wholeheartedly volunteered to donate his kidney without hesitation. Because of him, and with God’s grace, we were able to pass all the requirements.
Fast forward — we finally received our schedule for the operation on August 13, 2025. It was a four-hour procedure, and by God’s guidance, everything went smoothly with no complications at all. The doctors took extra care, knowing that lupus patients are more challenging to handle since our veins are very delicate. But through their skill, wisdom, and God’s hands guiding them, the surgery was a complete success.
But none of these would have been possible without the people who stood by me. To my tita Zewrin Tah, who constantly encouraged and pushed me to go through with this operation… To my husband Patrick Burn, who cared for me and never left my side… And to my dad Carlito Benitez Echavez , who traveled here just to make sure we were safe — your love and support carried me through this journey.
Lastly, I want to say — I am shy to ask for financial help, but to those who gave and shared despite me not asking, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your kindness and generosity mean so much, and I truly appreciate you all. Di ko na po kayo maisaisa pero alam nyo na po kung sino kayo- HS batch, Relatives, Pat's officemates, friends, my ninangs and ninongs.
Above all, to God who never failed to fulfill His promise — thank You for always giving me a chance to live again and again. Thank You for sustaining me, and thank You for watching over me always.
This marks the beginning of a new chapter of healing, hope, and second life — and I’m ready to embrace it with faith and gratitude.
*Shared some snips during the whole process. 💛
