Jesse Ramos

My Dad’s Struggle With Kidney Disease

In 2022, my dad, Jesse Ramos, learned that he was already in the final stage of kidney disease. Because his condition was so advanced at the time of diagnosis, dialysis became an immediate and ongoing necessity. He currently undergoes dialysis three times a week, a physically demanding schedule that has significantly impacted his health and daily life. Since starting dialysis, he has experienced serious complications, including multiple episodes of atrial fibrillation, which ultimately required heart surgery. The combined toll of dialysis, cardiac complications, and recovery made it impossible for him to continue working. Since his diagnosis, my dad has held onto hope through two potential kidney transplant opportunities, both of which ultimately fell through. He now needs a kidney transplant from a living donor, as dialysis is only a temporary solution and is typically effective for about five years for his blood type. In addition to managing his own health, my parents are the legal guardians of my 12-year-old niece, adding to the responsibilities they carry while navigating his medical journey. My Dad’s blood is o positive.

Henry Ford contact: henryfordlivingdonor.org, they fill out the questionnaire and Henry Ford is supposed to reach out after

Additional info in case needed – My Dad’s Story From My Eyes

My name is Alena, and I am the daughter of Jesus Ramos, who many people know as Jesse. My dad was born on the 25th of August, which I always thought was meaningful because his name is Jesus, they were both born on the 25th, and he has always been someone I
could rely on completely. Just like Jesus is someone people place their faith in during hard times, my dad has always been that steady, dependable presence in our lives. Throughout this journey with his illness, my dad continues to be the person we look to
for strength, reassurance, and consistency.

For the past three years, my dad has been living with kidney failure and has been on dialysis three times a week. Dialysis can only sustain him for so long, and it has taken an extreme toll on his body. Most days, he is exhausted and does not feel like himself.
Even on those days, he always shows up.

My dad is one of the hardest working people I know. He worked 60, 70, even 80 hour weeks my entire childhood without complaining because his only goal was to make sure we were taken care of. We were fed, happy, and protected from worry, that was all he ever
wanted for us. He never made us feel the weight of how hard he worked.

One of my favorite things about my dad is how many people know and love him. We cannot go to a grocery store without someone stopping us to say they worked with him or for him and to tell us how great he was. He worked his way up from being a cook at Tony’s
takeout literally right next door to his home growing up, to becoming a district manager for Cracker Barrel, overseeing stores in Ohio and Michigan, all through hard work and dedication. He earned respect simply by being the kind of person people wanted to
work for. I always felt proud knowing my dad was someone others looked up to.

As a father, my dad would give the shirt off his back for his kids, or for anyone, really. Any friend we brought around was fed and cared for without hesitation. He loved providing. I have always looked at him as a hero. I still remember coming home from elementary
school one day and learning that our neighbor’s house had caught on fire. My dad helped an elderly woman get out safely. From that moment on, I truly believed there was nothing he could not do.

Even while being sick, my dad never stops showing up. He does not miss pom competitions for my sister or niece. He drives over just to see his grandson or to surprise us with something he knows we will love. My parents are the legal guardians of my 12 year
old niece, and while my dad’s role looks different now than it did when we were growing up, he still shows up one hundred percent. Even while being sick, he takes her to and from school, brings her to pom practice, drops off things she forgets, takes her out
to eat between school and practice, and is a constant support system for her. She relies on him deeply as a father figure, just as we always have.

My son, Ovie, is obsessed with his Papa. They play cars together, line the cars up, and race them. Ovie calls for Papa multiple times a day, sometimes three times a day, even when he is not around. He knows Papa will always play with him, it’s so sweet. He
looks for him before anyone else, and no one makes him smile the way my dad does. Their bond means everything to me, and I want to see it continue to grow for years and years to come.

What hurts the most is that when it was finally time for my dad to slow down and enjoy life, he got sick. The chapter of his life that should have been about rest, family, and happiness became centered around dialysis appointments, hospital visits, surgeries,
and emergencies. For three years, he has gone to dialysis three times a week, and for most of the week afterward, he is drained. Still, he pushes through. But it is not fair.

We have had a few maybes along this journey, potential donors who ultimately could not continue. Each time, my dad allowed himself to hope, and each time that hope was taken away. Despite that, he keeps going.

My dad deserves this kidney because he has spent his entire life putting others first. He deserves to play with his grandkids, be present for the things he wants to do, and experience life without the constant burden of illness. More than anything, he deserves
the opportunity to be healthy again and to live without worry, for once, for himself.

Please contact the living kidney donor program at Henry Ford hospital to register to become Jesse’s living kidney donor – henryfordlivingdonor org