Kidney patient/activist falls on hard times and needs your help
Kidney patient and activist, Jose Cruz, has been in the public eye since he took a stand to get better treatment for his fellow renal failure patients. We have seen him on bad days when he lost a leg and needed to raise funds to travel to Guatemala for treatment to save the rest of his limbs. We have seen him celebrated at the inauguration of the World Organization of Renal Therapies project—an initiative he lobbied for. But tonight Cruz’ health has reached an all time low and he is once again in need of financial assistance to return to Guatemala. His troubles have been compounded because the pastor who once helped him with house rent payments, is no longer able to do so and he has been evicted. News Five met Cruz at the Belize Healthcare Partners Limited while he did his dialysis treatment on Wednesday.
Jose Cruz, Kidney Dialysis Patient
“I am having high fevers when I get on the machine and my stomach; I cant eat anything cause I throw it up and dah night I can sleep and I’ve had this problem for almost two months now and I’ve done endoscopies here in Belize and it’s still not helping me. It is believed that my catheter has an infection and I need to go check out my catheter and I might have to replace it. My situation is back again and it’s a whole lot of thing happening to me Delahnie. You know when it rains it pours, the Belizean people have stepped up for me on countless occasions but it’s not everybody. My landlord kicked me out of my house. The circulation problem had stopped for quite a number of time because of the medication that they had put me on, but because of m y diabetes and stuff it’s back. My fingers are getting cold again, I have numbness in my limbs and thing again. It’s just that I need to go back and check with my doctor again. I don’t think it’s really that bad yet but if I leave it to go bad it’s gonna get bad.”
Delahnie Bain
“So what exactly are you asking of the Belizean people today?”
Jose Cruz
“Well, financially I’m broke bad, bad, bad. I need help. I need money. You know without money you can’t pay for your test and you can’t go pay for things, you’re not gonna go anywhere. And I would hate to say like what I did last time to put a figure on it. I’m just a broken man. I’ve been called a hero, I’ve been called a champion, I’ve been called a warrior but for the first time in my life I feel my life slipping away from me and I can’t do anything about it.”
Anyone wishing to assist can reach Cruz at telephone number 627-6057 or make a deposit to Belize Bank account number 11536.
i cant believe this guy! i have seen him treat the staff at the san ignacio hospital with no respect… demanding, insulting and threatening. now he is requesting help?? he should examine his soul and start to do right by the people who were always there to help him, even if he took advantage of them and only uses them.
Sad, sad to hear the out cry from belizeans with no way of helping themselves when in such of an emergency.
It’s a shame what patients in Belize are going through just because of their financial standings.The Government really need to start doing something for these people.
Mr Cruz, may the Lord bless and guide you; as you travel this earthly journey. I do understand your plight Sir; and may I give a little suggestion. Maybe, your family (wife/ grown kids and siblings) could try raising some money too; with Saturday BBQ’s like many others are doing. We are all struggling in many ways, and I pray that you can get the help you need.
Also, the Lord looks down with favor on those that are humble; of character and actions. Anger and frustrations, are works of the evil one; so avoiding them can only bring you more blessings.
I’m so sorry to hear about mr. Cruz’s situation. I met his wife at the hospital and had a few words with her. I know how hard things are for them. My sister is in dialisis also, and we are trying so hard right now to take her for surgery. It’s very costly , and it’s a shame that Belize does not have a program thru. the Social Security;so patients can have the dialisis free of cost. tha’s the way it operates in Guatemala ’cause my sister has been there too. Mr. Cruz, I hope you can find a solution to your problem and wish you the best. I’m getting ready right now to fly with my sister and donate her one of my kidney’s. It’s a little scary, but thank God, I happen to be compatible with her. May the lord hold you and your family in his arms, and help you see the way out.
What rights does the Belizean Citizens have?We can’t get a piece of land,the government can’t keep us safe,we’re not entitle for healthcare what do we have as Citizens?
To What?: Its not about the staff of San Ignacio Hospital, and moreover, they don’t have to contribute anything to his venture if they dont feel like it. HOWEVER, DO NOT STAND IN THE WAY OF A DYING MAN’S PLEDGE . He’s desperate and you need not try to turn away the little help he might get to save his life.
This man’s health takes priority over any petty feelings of hurt. I doubt Jose can physically harm anyone in his condition, so if all you are concerned about is a few harsh words, then don’t bother. Hospitals train their staffs to to be “thick skinned.” This man is trying to appeal to our humane side which you obviously lack!