Rhoniel Romano, right, spends time with his wife Jocelyn and their sons Atreyu, 10, and Noah, 5.
Rhoniel Romano, right, spends time with his wife Jocelyn and their sons Atreyu, 10, and Noah, 5.

Sick father begs for chance ‘to fight for my life’



ABU DHABI //Rhoniel Romano needs a new kidney, but has no idea how to go about finding one.

The 39-year-old Filipino has only his wife, Jocelyn, with him in the country. He has not had a kidney transplant in the UAE, however, because the law only allows transplants from living donors.

A 2010 amendment to the 1993 organ transplant law paved the way for organ transplants from deceased donors. Doctors and patients had renewed hope that cadaver transplants were just around the corner for the UAE. However, a year later there has been no progress, leaving Mr Romano out of luck – and out of time.

“I have been living with kidney failure for years, and I thought that I could continue this way,” he said. “But this is not a way to live, and I need help.”

Mr Romano moved to Abu Dhabi with his wife in 2002, and has been working as an office assistant for an engineering company for nine years.

But in 2004, his life irrevocably changed. A severe headache and constant vomiting landed him in the hospital, and he was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure, a result of untreated high blood pressure.

“In the Philippines, when I was 20, I was told I had high blood pressure and that I was hypertensive, like my father was before he died,” said Mr Romano, whose brother also died of complications from high blood pressure.

“I didn’t really know what that meant or understand that it was a problem; buying medication for high blood pressure was so expensive and I felt fine and healthy and young. I didn’t think I needed it,” he said.

Mr Romano attributed his carelessness towards his health as a “lack of finances and lack of knowledge”.

“I wish I didn’t ignore my health,” he said. “I had no idea that blood pressure could affect my kidney. I never thought I could never run again, or play basketball.”

In 2004, Mr Romano spent more than four weeks on haemodialysis at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), then known as Central Hospital. When his condition stabilised, he was able to go home, where he received peritoneal dialysis, a type of dialysis that can be done at home via a small machine, provided by SKMC.

He had to be on the peritoneal dialysis machine for 10 hours every day from 2004 until this year, which meant he could only visit his children in the Philippines every two or three years. Travelling with all his medical equipment was costly and difficult.

In February, Mr Romano was admitted to SKMC with peritonitis, an inflammation of the tissue that lines the abdomen wall. Peritoneal dialysis patients are also predisposed to infections.

He spent two months at the hospital, and was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. A transplant, his doctors told him, was imperative. SKMC declined to comment on Mr Romano’s condition.

“I am back to doing haemodialysis in the hospital, for four hours a day every other day,” he said. Dialysis, which artificially filters the blood, is crucial for his survival and his only alternative to a transplant.

Mr Romano’s sons, Apreyu, 10, and Noah, five, have been visiting him in Abu Dhabi for the past month. He dreads his four-hour dialysis sessions after a long day at work, because they keep him from his children, whom he had last seen three years ago.

“My company surprised me and brought the boys over to visit us, during their school holiday, and paid for their tickets and visa,” he said. “My little boy did not even know me when he saw me in the airport, and didn’t talk to me at first. But it has been the happiest month of my life.”

Mrs Romano, 33, said her husband would not allow her to donate one of her kidneys, and she did not even know if she was a match.

“He said we have two kids to feed, and it is enough that he has been suffering all these years. I have to be able to take care of our children if anything happens to him.

“I think our only hope is to find the finances to go to the Philippines and have his family there tested and get a kidney there,” she said.

Their current situation, however, does not allow the couple to entertain any hope.

“We cannot afford to go to the Philippines because first of all I need the dialysis and once we are there, it will cost money to do all the tests to find a kidney,” said Mr Romano.

He said that friends and relatives in the Philippines had agreed to be tested to see if they were a match, and he also had the option of going on the Philippines Renal Registry. In June last year, the Philippines established the country’s first national organ-donor register, so Mr Romano thinks he may have a better chance in his home country.

“My kids will leave [tonight] and I don’t know when I will see them again,” he said.

"I hope someone with a big heart can help us, so I can see my children grow up. I want the chance to fight for my life."

hkhalaf@thenational.ae

Patient options slim in the UAE

Patients with end-stage renal failure have only two options: dialysis or a transplant.

Kidney transplants from living donors are characterised as genetically related or non-related transplants.

Dr Mohammed al Zaabi, a liver transplant specialist at Zayed Military Hospital in Abu Dhabi and a member of the National Organ Transplant Committee, said finding a match between donor and recipient was not easy.

“Tissue compatibility tests must be conducted, the blood groups have to match. Things like age and health have to be taken into consideration,” he said.

“Because we are fighting organ trafficking, here in the UAE we accept patients who have an emotional bond with the donor, and not only a genetic bond, so we consider the spouse or the in-laws.”

* Hala Khalaf

If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Vidaamuyarchi

Director: Magizh Thirumeni

Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra

Rating: 4/5

 

Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Day 3, Dubai Test: At a glance

Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage, the Sri Lanka pace bowler, has had to play a lot of cricket to earn a shot at the top level. The 29-year-old debutant first played a first-class game 11 years ago. His first Test wicket was one to savour, bowling Pakistan opener Shan Masood through the gate. It set the rot in motion for Pakistan’s batting.

Stat of the day – 73 Haris Sohail took 73 balls to hit a boundary. Which is a peculiar quirk, given the aggressive intent he showed from the off. Pakistan’s batsmen were implored to attack Rangana Herath after their implosion against his left-arm spin in Abu Dhabi. Haris did his best to oblige, smacking the second ball he faced for a huge straight six.

The verdict One year ago, when Pakistan played their first day-night Test at this ground, they held a 222-run lead over West Indies on first innings. The away side still pushed their hosts relatively close on the final night. With the opposite almost exactly the case this time around, Pakistan still have to hope they can salvage a win from somewhere.

The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

Match info

Costa Rica 0

Serbia 1
Kolarov (56')

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Essentials

The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Los Angeles, from Dh4,975 return, including taxes. The flight time is 16 hours. Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Aeromexico and Southwest all fly direct from Los Angeles to San Jose del Cabo from Dh1,243 return, including taxes. The flight time is two-and-a-half hours.

The trip
Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic’s eight-day Whales Wilderness itinerary costs from US$6,190 (Dh22,736) per person, twin share, including meals, accommodation and excursions, with departures in March and April 2018.

 

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

TV (UAE time);

OSN Sports: from 10am

British Grand Prix free practice times in the third and final session at Silverstone on Saturday (top five):

1. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 1:28.063 (18 laps)

2. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) 1:28.095 (14)

3. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 1:28.137 (20)

4. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Ferrari) 1:28.732 (15)

5. Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Renault)  1:29.480 (14)

The%20Emperor%20and%20the%20Elephant
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAuthor%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESam%20Ottewill-Soulsby%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPrinceton%20University%20Press%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E392%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJuly%2011%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Fringe@Four Line-up

October 1 - Phil Nichol (stand-up comedy)

October 29 - Mandy Knight (stand-up comedy)

November 5 - Sinatra Raw (Fringe theatre)

November 8 - Imah Dumagay & Sundeep Fernandes (stand-up comedy)

November 13 - Gordon Southern (stand-up comedy)

November 22 - In Loyal Company (Fringe theatre)

November 29 - Peter Searles (comedy / theatre)

December 5 - Sinatra’s Christmas Under The Stars (music / dinner show)

The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder MHEV

Power: 360bhp

Torque: 500Nm

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Price: from Dh282,870

On sale: now

Our legal columnist

Name: Yousef Al Bahar

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994

Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

Hidden killer

Sepsis arises when the body tries to fight an infection but damages its own tissue and organs in the process.

The World Health Organisation estimates it affects about 30 million people each year and that about six million die.

Of those about three million are newborns and 1.2 are young children.

Patients with septic shock must often have limbs amputated if clots in their limbs prevent blood flow, causing the limbs to die.

Campaigners say the condition is often diagnosed far too late by medical professionals and that many patients wait too long to seek treatment, confusing the symptoms with flu. 

Business Insights
  • Canada and Mexico are significant energy suppliers to the US, providing the majority of oil and natural gas imports
  • The introduction of tariffs could hinder the US's clean energy initiatives by raising input costs for materials like nickel
  • US domestic suppliers might benefit from higher prices, but overall oil consumption is expected to decrease due to elevated costs
THE SIXTH SENSE

Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Rating: 5/5

The specs

Price, base / as tested Dh135,000

Engine 1.6L turbo

Gearbox Six speed automatic with manual and sports mode

Power 165hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque 240Nm @ 1,400rpm 0-100kph: 9.2 seconds

Top speed 420 kph (governed)

Fuel economy, combined 35.2L / 100km (est)

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
  • Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
  • Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
  • Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
  • Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
  • Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
The schedule

December 5 - 23: Shooting competition, Al Dhafra Shooting Club

December 9 - 24: Handicrafts competition, from 4pm until 10pm, Heritage Souq

December 11 - 20: Dates competition, from 4pm

December 12 - 20: Sour milk competition

December 13: Falcon beauty competition

December 14 and 20: Saluki races

December 15: Arabian horse races, from 4pm

December 16 - 19: Falconry competition

December 18: Camel milk competition, from 7.30 - 9.30 am

December 20 and 21: Sheep beauty competition, from 10am

December 22: The best herd of 30 camels

The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
Earth under attack: Cosmic impacts throughout history

4.5 billion years ago: Mars-sized object smashes into the newly-formed Earth, creating debris that coalesces to form the Moon

- 66 million years ago: 10km-wide asteroid crashes into the Gulf of Mexico, wiping out over 70 per cent of living species – including the dinosaurs.

50,000 years ago: 50m-wide iron meteor crashes in Arizona with the violence of 10 megatonne hydrogen bomb, creating the famous 1.2km-wide Barringer Crater

1490: Meteor storm over Shansi Province, north-east China when large stones “fell like rain”, reportedly leading to thousands of deaths.  

1908: 100-metre meteor from the Taurid Complex explodes near the Tunguska river in Siberia with the force of 1,000 Hiroshima-type bombs, devastating 2,000 square kilometres of forest.

1998: Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 breaks apart and crashes into Jupiter in series of impacts that would have annihilated life on Earth.

-2013: 10,000-tonne meteor burns up over the southern Urals region of Russia, releasing a pressure blast and flash that left over 1600 people injured.