Darlene Regis
A kidney transplant operation was successfully completed on September 4, giving a renewed chance at life for Sharon Gomez-Elacion and her sister, Mitos Elacion-Ramirez. The procedure, conducted at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), marks a pivotal milestone in their journey through adversity and hope.
The HMC’s Transplant team that was behind the successful operation was headed by Dr. Omar Issam M. Ali (Senior Consultant), Dr. Baleegh Mansoor Abdo Alsharam (Associate Consultant), and Dr. Salahaldin Mohamed Abdullaif (Consultant).
The Nephro team, headed by Dr. Omar Fiturri (Consultant), also served a vital role in the operation.
Sharon, a Filipino expatriate worker in Qatar, battled Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stage 5 or End Stage Renal Disease. She has been supporting her son, Matthew Ron Xandrie Elacion, who is now in college, while coping with the challenges of her health condition. Despite her struggles, she has demonstrated remarkable resilience, sustaining her daily needs by cooking and selling native delicacies.
The road to this successful transplant has been fraught with difficulties. Sharon’s condition required frequent dialysis sessions, each lasting approximately five hours, which she has endured for over three years. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated her CKD journey, which intensified the emotional and physical toll on her and her family.
Mitos served as a beacon of hope for Sharon. After rigorous testing in the Philippines, she was confirmed as a compatible donor. Her decision to donate a kidney was a profound act of sacrifice and love, crucial for her sister’s survival.
Due to her illness, Sharon faced financial strain, but received crucial support from her siblings, Raquel Robles and Raul Gomez. The operation, along with necessary dialysis and treatment, was generously covered by HMC, a testament to Qatar’s commitment to providing free and comprehensive healthcare services to expatriate communities.
Sharon expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am thankful to the HMC doctors and the government of Qatar for providing life-saving treatments for me. Qatar has given me a second chance at life. I feel blessed to be in this country where dialysis treatment and transplant operations are provided with such exceptional care.”
Her journey, marked by determination and faith, serves as an inspiring testament to the power of hope and the generosity of those who support her.
