LIVING BY SHARING

Marilou “Tootsie” Labuguen Lazo

was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD)—her kidneys were failing. Her nephrologists informed her that kidney transplantation is considered the treatment of choice for many ESRD patients. But, getting a kidney donor remains a challenge in the Philippines.

“After my kidney transplant, each day has been a blessing. When people ask me what my secret is that enabled me to survive and thrive as a kidney transplant patient for more than 30 years, I tell them there is no secret formula,” said Tootsie. “The key to success is to be a compliant patient, huwag matigas ang ulo (don’t be stubborn). Follow your doctors’ orders regarding maintenance medications, diet and lifestyle, and do everything in moderation.”

Tootsie spoke along with her sister during the “One to Care, One to Share” Patient Testimonial & Book Launch Road show organized by Novartis Healthcare Philippines in line with the celebration of World Kidney Day 2019. The One to Care, One to Share Road show involved a series of patient forums and book launches held last week at the Novartis office in Makati City, NKTI in Quezon City, Cebu City and Davao City.

“It took me almost 33 years to write Infrangible, because every time I started to write a chapter I would break down in tears,” Tootsie said. “It is my fervent hope that the book will provide encouragement and inspiration to others who are in a state of limbo because of seemingly insurmountable health crises and learn to hold on even if the going gets rough.”

Through the One to Care, One to Share advocacy, Novartis aims to foster a culture of caring and sharing among Filipinos in order to encourage them to become organ donors. According to corporate affairs head of Novartis Healthcare Philippines, “If you donate your organs after you die, you could save and improve the lives of many Filipinos, especially those with kidney failure.”

Christine Fajardo,