Imagine a world where a simple lack of resources determines life or death for a child. This is a heartbreaking reality for children in Kurdistan suffering from chronic kidney failure. A few months ago, Bridge of Life learned about a two-week old baby in Erbil who developed acute kidney injury and severe hyperkalemia. Tragically, he didn’t survive because he didn’t have access to peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Right now, there is no pediatric dialysis clinic in the entire region for children age 6 and below, meaning that without access to treatment, children and families are faced with life-or-death decisions.

Bridge of Life is committed to changing this reality. BOL’s Director of Technical Operations traveled to Kurdistan to provide an assessment and discuss the opportunity to help pediatric renal failure patients. In partnership with the Ministry of Health – Kurdistan, the Department of Health – Erbil, and Helping Hands Intl., we are establishing the first-ever pediatric dialysis unit in Kurdistan!

Bridge of Life did not budget for the Kurdistan project, but because of the urgency of the need, we want to respond. To do so, we need your help! We have a budget shortfall of $50,000 to support critical consumable supplies, essential equipment, and the safe transport of these resources to Erbil. Our timeline is to complete the critical peritoneal dialysis (PD) unit by late March and set up the hemodialysis (HD) unit mid-year.

By supporting Bridge of Life this #GivingTuesday, you can help bring dialysis and care to children and families left without options, in a place that few organizations are willing to go. Your donation means more than supplies; it means life, opportunity, and hope.

This #GivingTuesday, be part of the change and help Bridge of Life provide vital kidney care where it’s needed most. Please join us Tuesday, December 3 and bring life-saving care to Kurdistan.

How to give on December 3rd

• Triple your donation on Ripples! On December 3rd, DaVita will match all teammate donations with 2-to-1 matches in the Ripples platform, up to $2,500 per person. Login to Ripples here.
• Donate to our JustGiving Campaign – Support our campaign directly & give online! There is no match here, but we encourage you to share this link with your community to expand the impact! Any contribution, no matter the size, gets us one step closer to bringing life-saving care to patients in Kurdistan!