Filipino recalls Al Jalila Foundation's role in his kidney transplant on World Organ Donation Day

In 2024, 46-year-old Filipino known as Rodulfo Junior Domancas Alar was transported to Rashid Hospital after suffering from a sharp rise in blood pressure, but tests revealed that he suffered from stage 4 of a chronic kidney disease.

He was then referred to Dubai Hospital to receive specialised care according to Dr Rishabh Kumar Jain, consultant nephrologist and transplant physician at the hospital.

Dr Jain affirmed that high blood pressure resulted in a decline in kidney function, which necessitated undergoing dialysis.

Al Jalila Foundation granted Alar a new chance at life through the "Your Donation is Life" programme launched by the foundation to support patients who need kidney transplant surgery, as he learned during one of the follow-up visits about the possibility of applying for support within the programme, to then begin the comprehensive medical evaluation stage necessary for kidney transplantation.

A few months after completing the medical requirements, Alar learned of the availability of a kidney from a matching donor.

On the World Organ Donation Day, falling on August 13, Alar remembered the moment he was told a matching donor was found, saying: "I will never forget the moment they told me a matching donor was found. My family and I celebrated the news, as we had long waited for with hope”.

Alar thanked Al Jalila Foundation, the doctors, nurses, and all members of the medical team at Dubai Hospital, and also thanked the donor and their family.

He said: I will remain grateful to everyone who was a reason for this new beginning.

Dr Jain pointed out that in Alar's case, the kidney transplant formed a pivotal turning point in his treatment journey.

He added that after the surgery performed in April 2026, kidney functions improved well, and a tangible improvement occurred in his health condition and quality of life.

He also said: This operation reflects the pivotal role of "Al Jalila Foundation" in embodying the "Dubai Health" vision to advance human health.

Dr Amna Khalifa Al Hadari, consultant and head of the nephrology department at Dubai Hospital, stressed the importance of the "Your Donation is Life" programme in supporting patients and covering the costs of the organ transplant journey and associated medical care, which enhances their chances of obtaining the necessary treatment, and contributes to their recovery and improving their quality of life”.

She said: "The programme embodies the integration of efforts with the National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue “Hayat”, supporting the access of eligible patients to organ transplantation in a timely manner, and ensuring continuity of care after the operation. Potential donors and recipients also undergo comprehensive evaluations to verify their eligibility, according to the highest standards of safety and quality."