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7th Grade Service Learning
Children with Kidney Problems
For the past four year the 7th graders have been working with the Hospital Civil in the Nephrology Pediatric unit (renal insufficiency), under the charge of Dr. Jacob Sandoval. This is the area where kids with severe kidney problems are treated by dialysis or hemodialysis. Some of them are awaiting a transplant.
The Nephrology Pediatric Unit treats approximately 100 patients, starting from newborn to age sixteen. This group may vary from patients who need special attention daily or by appointment, and their parents receive a very low income. We visit to the hospital several times a year with our students and organize various activities with those who are not being hospitalized. This includes small trips such as the zoo, the movie theater, or a picnic at the Metropolitanopark.
During the visits to the hospital we organize different activities including reading to the children, playing with them, sharing stories, and cheering them up to help them continue their fight to get healthy. We also take them supplies that they need such as hygienic items, art supplies, and books. Through working with these children, we also learn from their strength, patience, and will.
So far, our 7th graders, parents and teachers have helped remodel the nephro wing of the hospital, have donated catheters and helped have two children get enough money for their transplants. We also give $1,500 pesos per month to help three children with their medication. In addition, each Christmas we give each patient a blanket to use during their dialysis treatment and a backpack to carry their dialysis supplies.
These kids commonly need the following medications: Calcium, Calcitriol, folic acid, and fumaratoferrozo. They also need surgical materials like catheters, titanium connectors, dialysis bags, transfer lines. To be able to help them obtain these supplies we hold bake sales and other fundraisers.
As well, we have a long-term goal to purchase a hemodialysis machine, which costs $250,000.00 pesos. The pediatric unit does not have one of these machines; only adults receive this treatment. We know that it’s a long-term goal, and may be take us more time, but working together we can make it happen!
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