Please Help Vova

Vova is a good friend of my nephew Roma who lives in my hometown - Khabarovsk, Russia. He just turned 20 years old and is graduating with his associate's degree in Information Systems next month. Vova enjoys helping others and is a great friend and a very kind person.
He enjoys what most boys of his age love: soccer, computer games, being outside. He seems like an ordinary young man except he hasn't been able to play soccer (or any other sport) for the last year due to a critical kidney disease.

Vova was born with only one kidney. About a year ago, his only kidney was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (also known as: End stage renal disease (ESRD)or Kidney failure). This condition is a result of complete failure of the kidneys to function. They can no longer remove wastes, concentrate urine, and regulate many other important body functions. When the severity of Vova's condition became apparent, he was immediately treated with Dialysis. Now, he travels to the hospital at least three afternoons a week to have Hemodialysis procedure performed.

The dialysis, however, can only sustain Vova for another year or two. The doctors say that for him to live, he needs to have an Automated Peritoneal Dialysis System installed. The most common is 'HomeChoice Pro Baxter'. Unfortunately, this system and the surgery are very expensive in Russia. Vova's parents are both blue-collar workers and struggle to support their two children (Vova and his younger brother). With all the stress of trials in the family, Vova's father had recently had a heart attack. He is now unable to work for some time.
Eventually (within the next two years), Vova would also need to have a kidney transplant. His father will be the donor, but the surgery is not possible until his father's complete recovery and until the family can find enough money for the surgery.

I have created this blog in an attempt to spread the word about Vova and his condition. He is so young and has so much ahead of him! Kidney failure is not a rare condition! People can live long and happy after the surgery, but Vova's family needs financial help to make the surgery possible. The estimated total cost of the Dialysis system and the surgery is around $10,000.

Please feel free to donate any amount using the donation button on the bottom of the page. You can donate through paypal or any credit/debit card. Every donation is greatly appreciated and will be used solely for Vova's surgery. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Please keep Vova and his family in your prayers and thank you so much for your help!

Olya