All patients with renal failure owe their life to dialysis and they all dream of the healthy life that is only made possible through a kidney transplant. Some patients may never qualify for this and will have to remain on dialysis all their life but for the rest, a transplant is their only ray of hope.
The waiting list for a kidney transplant is long and it might take four to five years before the chance ever comes. Then again, when the time for a transplant arrives, various factors have to be compatible such as the blood group and tissue typing.
The Renal Unit is one of the busiest units at St. Luke’s Hospital, with about 200 patients using its services and with an annual cost of Lm1.8 million to run.
Around 100 patients visit the unit three times a week for treatment and spend four hours attached to a dialysis machine that purifies their blood from the wastes and toxins normally cleared by the kidneys.
This is what keeps these volunteers going: their dedication and commitment towards offering a better life for patients with renal problems is never-ending.
Founded in 1999, the Life Cycle Organisation has as its mission to create awareness and generate support for patients suffering from end stage renal failure.
Last year, Lm10,000 was raised and this year’s target is around the same amount. The cycling challenge this year will see 32 athletes cycling 1,700 kilometres from France to Madrid. This challenge will be held between 31 August and 9 September and the cyclists will be accompanied by an 18 member back-up team which includes cooks, doctors, physiotherapists and nurses.
People can help this worthy cause by visiting the website www.lifecyclechallenge.com
Alternatively, people can send a blank SMS to 5061-8073 to make a Lm2 donation, 5081-8915 for a Lm3 donation or 5961-9208 for a Lm5 donation.
Donations can also be made by direct transfer to HSBC bank account 061198792050 or Bank of Valletta account 14814521017.
Libyan man stabbed
A Libyan man was rushed to hospital early yesterday morning after he was stabbed during a fight in Paceville.
The police said the fight took place in Ross Street.
It is not known whether the man had scuffled with Maltese or foreigners.
He was rushed to hospital where he was found to be suffering from serious injuries and his condition was described as critical.
He was operated on immediately and his condition was said to be improved.
Duty magistrate Michael Mallia was informed about the case. He appointed a number of court experts to assist him with the inquiry. St Julian’s district police are investigating.
More illegal immigrants
A total of 14 illegal immigrants were rescued off the Maltese coast early yesterday morning.
The men – from Congo, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Togo and Sudan – were rescued at 4.20am. They were originally sighted by Italian authorities.
They were on board a rubber dinghy and were spotted 74 nautical miles off Delimara.
The men were rescued by Armed Forces personnel who brought them to Hay Wharf before being transported to the Safi detention centre.